■ noun
1》 an official authorization enabling the police or some other body to make an arrest, search premises, etc.
2》 a document entitling the holder to receive goods, money, or services.
3》 Finance a negotiable security allowing the holder to buy shares at a specified price at or before some future date.
4》 justification or authority.
5》 an official certificate of appointment issued to an officer of lower rank than a commissioned officer.
■ verb
1》 justify or necessitate.
2》 officially affirm or guarantee.
Phrases
I (or I'll ) ~ (you) dated no doubt.
Derivatives
~able adjective
~ableness noun
~ably adverb
~er noun
Origin
ME (in the senses 'protector, safeguard', and 'protect from danger'): from vars of OFr. guarant (n.), guarantir (v.), of Gmc origin; cf. guarantee .