I. ˈwȯr-ənt, ˈwär- 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 , proof
2.
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
II. transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English, waranten to act as protector, guarantee, from Anglo-French warentir, garantir, from warant
Date: 14th century
1.
a. : to declare or maintain with certainty : be sure that
I'll warrant 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) usually by an express covenant in the deed of conveyance
c. : to guarantee to be as represented
d. : to guarantee (as goods sold) especially in respect of the quality or quantity specified
3. : to guarantee security or immunity to : secure
I'll warrant him from drowning — Shakespeare
4. : to give warrant or sanction to : authorize
the law warrant 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 warrant further consideration