[war.rant] n [ME, protector, warrant, fr. ONF warant, modif. of a Gmc noun represented by OHG werento guarantor, fr. prp. of weren to warrant; akin to OHG wara trust, care--more at very] (14c) 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; esp: 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 capital stock of the corporation at a stated price either prior to a stipulated date or at any future time -- war.rant.less adj
[2]warrant vt [ME, fr. ONF warantir, fr. warant] (14c) 1 a: to declare or maintain with certainty: be sure that "I'll ~ he'll be here by noon" b: to assure (a person) of the truth of what is said
2. a: to guarantee to a person good title to and undisturbed possession of (as an estate) b: to provide a guarantee of the security of (as title to property sold) usu. by an express covenant in the deed of conveyance c: to guarantee to be as represented d: to guarantee (as goods sold) esp. in respect of the quality or quantity specified
3: to guarantee security or immunity to: secure "I'll ~ him from drowning --Shak."
4: to give warrant or sanction to: authorize "the law ~s this procedure"
5. a: to give proof of the authenticity or truth of b: to give assurance of the nature of or for the undertaking of: guarantee
6: to serve as or give adequate ground or reason for "promising enough to ~ further consideration"