Noun

Singular warrant

Plural warrants

warrant (plural warrants)

1. (obsolete) A protector or defender.
   • 1485, Sir Thomas Malory, Le Morte Darthur, Book X:

     Than for pité I made the damesell to lepe on her palferey, and I promysed her to be her waraunte and to helpe to entyre her lorde.

2. Authorization or certification; sanction, as given by a superior.
3. Something that provides assurance or confirmation; a guarantee or proof: a warrant of authenticity; a warrant for success.

   He almost gives his failings as a warrant for his greatness (Garry Wills).

4. An order that serves as authorization, especially: A voucher authorizing payment or receipt of money.
5. (law) A judicial writ authorizing an officer to make a search, seizure, or arrest or to execute a judgment.

   arrest warrant issued by Thai supreme court

6. A warrant officer.
7. A certificate of appointment given to a warrant officer.
8. (finance) An option, usually with a term at issue greater than a year, usually issued together with another security, to buy other securities of the issuer.
9. (New Zealand) A Warrant of Fitness; a document certifying that a motor vehicle meets certain standards of safety and mechanical soundness.

Derived terms

• warrant card
• death warrant

Warrant