Entry Word: surety

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 a formal agreement to fulfill an obligation <Christyʼs brother gave his surety that he would pay back the loan if she was unable to for any reason> — see guarantee 1
2 a person who takes the responsibility for some other person or thing <Tony agreed to act as surety if I lent Christy some money, since I wasnʼt certain that sheʼd be able to pay it back> — see sponsor