from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Guarantee \Guar`an*tee"\, n.; pl. {Guarantees}. [For guaranty,
prob. influenced by words like assignee, lessee, etc. See
{Guaranty}, and cf. {Warrantee}.]
1. In law and common usage: A promise to answer for the
payment of some debt, or the performance of some duty, in
case of the failure of another person, who is, in the
first instance, liable to such payment or performance; an
engagement which secures or insures another against a
contingency; a warranty; a security. Same as {Guaranty}.
[1913 Webster]
His interest seemed to be a guarantee for his zeal.
--Macaulay.
[1913 Webster]
2. One who binds himself to see an undertaking of another
performed; a guarantor. --South.
[1913 Webster]
Note: Guarantor is the correct form in this sense.
[1913 Webster]
3. (Law) The person to whom a guaranty is made; -- the
correlative of guarantor.
Syn: {Guarantee}, {Warranty.}
Usage: A guarantee is an engagement that a certain act will
be done or not done in future. A warranty is an
engagement as to the qualities or title of a thing at
the time of the engagement.
[1913 Webster]