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hostage
A person delivered into the possession of a public enemy in the time of war, as a security for the performance of a contract entered into between the belligerents.
2. Hostages are frequently given as a security for the payment of a ransom bill, and if they should die, their death would not discharge the contract. 3 Burr. 1734; 1 Kent, Com. 106; Dane's Ab. Index, h. t.
Source : Bouvier 1856
Language : English