ˈkȯshēˌō, ˈkau̇d.ēˌō noun
( plural cauti·o·nes -shēˈōˌnēz, -d.ēˈōˌnās)
Etymology: Latin
Roman, Scots, & civil law : an oral or written agreement to indemnify : guaranty:
a. : a written assurance given as evidence of the receipt of money or as an acknowledgment of the making of a promise or of an existing state of affairs
b. : an agreement by one furnishing security, a pledge, or a mortgage
c. : an agreement often imposed by a judge or magistrate whereby one guarantees to protect another from loss or harm caused by the guarantor or a third person for whom the guarantor is responsible or whereby one guarantees payment or performance of an obligation of another