Hostage
Bouvier's Law Dictionary and Concise Encyclopedia · John Bouvier; revised by Francis Rawle · 1914
Bouvier's Law Dictionary and Concise Encyclopedia
A person delivered into tllle possession of a public enemy In the time of war, as a security for the performance of a contract entered into between the belligerents. Hostages were frequently given as a security for the payment of a ransom-bill; and if they died their death did not discharge the contract; 3 Burr. 1734; 1 Kent 106; Dane, Abr. Index.