Elaine Acree wrote:
>
> I have two questions about legal terminology used in some old documents.
>
> 1.  What does "surety" mean in a will?  Example: "John Britt provided
> surety".  This term was used in Isle of Wight probate documents in the
> 1600's.

Usually, this was the bond that the administrator of the estate had to
post to assure his proper handling of the estate.
>
> 2.  What does "security" mean in a marriage record?  Example: "Jesse Britt
> married Ann Davis, widow.  John Britt sec. (or security).  This term was
> used in Greene County marriage records in the 1700's.

There's a good article at http://www.tngenweb.org/law/bond.htm
Basically, the parties had to post bond that they were eligible to marry
(of age, not presently married, etc.).

>
> Thank you for any assistance!
>
> Elaine
>
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--
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