Main Entry: ¹war·rant

Pronunciation: \ˈwȯr-ənt, ˈwär-\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English waraunt protector, warrant, from Anglo-French warant, garant, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German werēnto guarantor, werēn to warrant; akin to Old High German wāra trust, care — more at very

Date: 14th century

1 a (1) : sanction, authorization; also : evidence for or token of authorization (2) : guarantee, security b (1) : ground, justification (2) : confirmation, proof
2 a : a commission or document giving authority to do something; especially : a writing that authorizes a person to pay or deliver to another and the other to receive money or other consideration b : a precept or writ issued by a competent magistrate authorizing an officer to make an arrest, a seizure, or a search or to do other acts incident to the administration of justice c : an official certificate of appointment issued to an officer of lower rank than a commissioned officer d (1) : a short-term obligation of a governmental body (as a municipality) issued in anticipation of revenue (2) : an instrument issued by a corporation giving to the holder the right to purchase the stock of the corporation at a stated price either prior to a stipulated date or at any future time

— war·rant·less \-ləs\ adjective