(1) A written promise to pay to the bearer or owner a stated sum of money at a specified time, with interest usually represented by interest coupons attached to the bond. Coupons may be clipped as they mature and presented for payment. Bonds are sometimes in the form of Certificates of Indebtedness. Bonds are often secured by real estate mortgages. (See Promissory Note.) (2) A written commitment assuring the payment of a stipulated sum of money or the amount of damages in the event of an adverse happening. (3) A certificate of debt issued by a government or corporation guaranteeing payment to bearer of a specified sum of money, plus interest, on a specified future date.
