English word hostage comes from Old French (842-ca. 1400) hostage (Hostage.)
| Dictionary entry | Language | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| hostage | Old French (842-ca. 1400) (fro) | Hostage. |
| hostage | English (eng) | A person given as a pledge or security for the performance of the conditions of a treaty or stipulations of any kind, on the performance of which the person is to be released. |