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, proof2 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