Bond
1) Written evidence of debt issued by a company with the terms of payment
spelled out. A bond differs from corporate shares of stock since bond payments
are pre-determined and provide a final pay off date, while stock dividends vary
depending on profitability and corporate decisions to distribute. 2) Written
guarantee or pledge which is purchased from a bonding company, or by an
individual as security to guarantee some form of performance, including showing
up in court .