Definition of Hostage. Meaning of Hostage. Synonyms of Hostage
Here you will find one or more explanations in English for the word Hostage.
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Definition of Hostage
Hostage Hostage Hos"tage, n. [OE. hostage, OF. hostage, ostage, F.
[^o]tage, LL. hostaticus, ostaticum, for hospitaticum, fr. L.
hospes guest, host. The first meaning is, the state of a
guest, hospitality; hence, the state of a hostage (treated as
a guest); and both these meanings occur in Old French. See
Host a landlord.]
A person given as a pledge or security for the performance of
the conditions of a treaty or stipulations of any kind, on
the performance of which the person is to be released.
Your hostages I have, so have you mine; And we shall
talk before we fight. --Shak.
He that hath a wife and children hath given hostages to
fortune. --Bacon.
