Hostage
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States · John Bouvier · 1839
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States
A person delivered in the possession of a public enemy in time of war as a security for the performance of a contract entered into between the belligerents. Hostages are frequently given asa 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.