- security
- A stock certificate, bond, or evidence of secured indebtedness. Anno: 47 ALR2d 229. A share of stock. Anno: 52 ALR 1098 (term as used in a will). A stock, bond, or other contract wherein an investment is made for the purpose for securing income or profit. 47 Am J1st Secur A § 16. Any instrument issued or offered to the public by any company, evidencing or representing any right to participate or share in the profits or earnings or the distribution of assets of any business carried on for profit. People v McCalla, 63 Cal App 783, 220 P 436. An instrument issued in bearer or registered form of a type commonly dealt in upon securities exchanges or markets or is commonly recognized in any area in which it is issued or dealt in as a medium for investment; an instrument evidencing a share, participation, or other interest in property or in an enterprise or evidences an obligation of the issuer. UCC § 8-102(1)(a). Protection of citizen, resident, or transient against attack directed against his person or property. Protection of the nation against attacks from abroad and subversion from within. A mortgage, lien, encumbrance, deposit, or pledge for the payment of a debt or the performance of an obligation. In the broad sense, inclusive of "surety." 50 Am J1st Suret § 3. Security is that which makes the enforcement or promise more certain than the mere personal obligation of the debtor or promisor, whatever may be his possessions or financial standing. It may be a pledge of property, or an additional personal obligation; but it means more than the mere promise of the debtor with property liable to general execution. It is true that the greater the possessions of the promisor, the more certain the enforcement of his promise, and in a sense, the creditor is more secure; but such is not the security known and expressed in the law. First Nat. Bank v Hollingsworth, 78 Iowa 575, 43 NW 536. See realizing on security.
Ballentine's law dictionary. Anderson, W.S.. 1998.