bearer
16
5.6
- noun
- /ˈbɛrər/
- Specialized
- He was surprised to learn that the bearer of the document could sell it to anyone.
- a standard bearer
- a bearer of national culture
- a bearer of rights
Examples
-
And the best part: Millions in unregistered bearer bonds, all ours.
-
Stephen looks up at me, and his reluctance at being the bearer of this news is obvious.
Fiction book (1990) -
How did you come across bearer bonds?
-
Four hundred million in highly liquid U.S. bearer bonds.
-
It just says "Pay bearer" on the note.
-
You write a note authorizing delivery of the message to the bearer.
Fiction book (1992) -
Yes, 20 million euro in untraceable bearer bonds.
-
Ten million in negotiable U.S. Treasury certificates, in bearer form, coupons attached.
Fiction book (1996) -
The bearer of the check was able to cash it without any problems.
-
When you hold the bearer bond, you can claim the payment right away.
Synonyms
14
3.9
A person who has a check or bond and can get its money
Compounds
- Archaic
11
9.0
A bond not registered to an owner that pays interest to the person who holds the physical certificate
- Archaic
2
9.9
A share certificate that has no owner's name and makes the person who holds it the owner
1
8.2
The eleventh zodiac sign is Aquarius, with the sun there from about January 20 to February 18
- Specialized
A paper showing you own part of a company that belongs to whoever holds it
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Bearer comes from the old English verb bear, which means 'to carry', plus the ending -er meaning 'one who does'. So when a bond or check is marked 'pay to bearer', it means whoever holds or 'carries' the paper can claim its value.