from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Sure \Sure\, a. [Compar. {Surer}; superl. {Surest}.] [OE. sur,
OF. se["u]r, F. s[^u]r, L. securus; se aside, without + cura
care. See {Secure}, and cf. {Assure}, {Insure}, {Sicker}
sure.]
1. Certainly knowing and believing; confident beyond doubt;
implicity trusting; unquestioning; positive.
[1913 Webster]
We are sure that the judgment of God is according to
truth against them which commit such things. --Rom.
ii. 2.
[1913 Webster]
I'm sure care 's an enemy of life. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
2. Certain to find or retain; as, to be sure of game; to be
sure of success; to be sure of life or health.
[1913 Webster]
3. Fit or worthy to be depended on; certain not to fail or
disappoint expectation; unfailing; strong; permanent;
enduring. "His sure word." --Keble.
[1913 Webster]
The Lord will certainly make my lord a sure house;
because my lord fighteth the battles of the Lord.
--1 Sam. xxv.
28.
[1913 Webster]
The testimony of the Lord is sure. --Ps. xix. 7.
[1913 Webster]
Which put in good sure leather sacks. --Chapman.
[1913 Webster]
4. Betrothed; engaged to marry. [Obs.]
[1913 Webster]
The king was sure to Dame Elizabeth Lucy, and her
husband before God. --Sir T. More.
[1913 Webster]
I presume . . . that you had been sure as fast as
faith could bind you, man and wife. --Brome.
[1913 Webster]
5. Free from danger; safe; secure.
[1913 Webster]
Fear not; the forest is not three leagues off;
If we recover that we are sure enough. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
{To be sure}, or {Be sure}, certainly; without doubt; as,
Shall you do? To be sure I shall.
{To make sure}.
(a) To make certain; to secure so that there can be no
failure of the purpose or object. "Make Cato sure."
--Addison. "A peace can not fail, provided we make
sure of Spain." --Sir W. Temple.
(b) To betroth. [Obs.]
[1913 Webster]
She that's made sure to him she loves not well.
--Cotgrave.
[1913 Webster]
Syn: Certain; unfailing; infallible; safe; firm; permanent;
steady; stable; strong; secure; indisputable; confident;
positive.
[1913 Webster]