Noun

(uncountable) The condition of not being threatened, especially physically, psychologically, emotionally, or financially.

* Shakespeare

Give up yourself merely to chance and hazard, / From firm security .

* Jonathan Swift

Some alleged that we should have no security for our trade.

(countable) Something that secures.

An organization or department responsible for providing security by enforcing laws, rules, and regulations as well as maintaining order.

* {{quote-magazine, date=2012-12-14, author=Simon Jenkins, authorlink=Simon Jenkins

, volume=188, issue=2, page=23, date=2012-12-21, magazine=(The Guardian Weekly) , title= We mustn't overreact to North Korea boys' toys , passage=The threat of terrorism to the British lies in the overreaction to it of British governments. Each one in turn clicks up the ratchet of surveillance, intrusion and security . Each one diminishes liberty.}}

* {{quote-magazine, date=2013-06-08, volume=407, issue=8839, page=52, magazine=(The Economist)

, title= The new masters and commanders , passage=From the ground, Colombo’s port does not look like much. Those entering it are greeted by wire fences, walls dating back to colonial times and security posts. For mariners leaving the port after lonely nights on the high seas, the delights of the B52 Night Club and Stallion Pub lie a stumble away.}}

(legal) Something that secures the fulfillment of an obligation or law.

(legal) Freedom from apprehension.

(finance) Proof of ownership of stocks, bonds or other investment instruments.

(finance) Property etc. temporarily relinquished to guarantee repayment of a loan.

A guarantee.

* Macaulay

Those who lent him money lent it on no security but his bare word.

(obsolete) Carelessness; negligence.

* Shakespeare

He means, my lord, that we are too remiss, / Whilst Bolingbroke, through our security , / Grows strong and great in substance and in power.

Noun

(en noun)

A device used to produce music.

The violinist was a master of her instrument .

A means or agency for achieving an effect.

* {{quote-book, year=1905, author=

, title= , chapter=1 citation , passage=“There the cause of death was soon ascertained?; the victim of this daring outrage had been stabbed to death from ear to ear with a long, sharp instrument , in shape like an antique stiletto, which […] was subsequently found under the cushions of the hansom. […]”}}

A measuring or displaying device.

The instrument detected an increase in radioactivity.

A tool, implement used for manipulation or measurement.

The dentist set down his tray of instruments'''.'' The scientist recorded the temperature with a thermometer but wished he had a more accurate ' instrument ."

(legal) A legal document, such as a contract, deed, trust, mortgage, power, indenture, or will.

A bond indenture is the instrument that gives a bond its value.

Negotiable instruments are the foundation of the debt markets.

(figuratively) A person used as a mere tool for achieving a goal.

* Shakespeare

Or useful serving man and instrument , / To any sovereign state.

* Dryden

The bold are but the instruments of the wise.