HOSTAG

1 definition found

From Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856) [bouvier]:

  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.