[trust] n [ME, prob. of Scand origin; akin to ON traust trust; akin to OE treowe faithful--more at true] (13c) 1 a: assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something b: one in which confidence is placed
2. a: dependence on something future or contingent: hope b: reliance on future payment for property (as merchandise) delivered: credit 3 a: a property interest held by one person for the benefit of another b: a combination of firms or corporations formed by a legal agreement; esp: one that reduces or threatens to reduce competition
4. archaic: trustworthiness
5. a (1): a charge or duty imposed in faith or confidence or as a condition of some relationship (2): something committed or entrusted to one to be used or cared for in the interest of another b: responsible charge or office c: care, custody "the child committed to her ~" -- in trust : in the care or possession of a trustee
[2]trust vi (13c) 1 a: to place confidence: depend "~ in God" "~ to luck" b: to be confident: hope
2: to sell or deliver on credit ~ vt 1 a: to commit or place in one's care or keeping: entrust b: to permit to stay or go or to do something without fear or misgiving
2. a: to rely on the truthfulness or accuracy of: believe b: to place confidence in: rely on c: to hope or expect confidently
3: to extend credit to -- trust.abil.i.ty n -- trust.able adj -- trust.er n -- trust.ing.ly adv -- trust.ing.ness n