Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Collateral?

\Col*lat"er*al\, a. [LL. collateralis; col- + lateralis lateral. See {Lateral}.] 1. Coming from, being on, or directed toward, the side; as, collateral pressure. ``Collateral light.'' --Shak. 2. Acting in an indirect way. If by direct or by collateral hand They find us touched, we will our kingdom give . . . To you in satisfaction. --Shak. 3. Related to, but not strictly a part of, the main thing or matter under consideration; hence, subordinate; not chief or principal; as, collateral interest; collateral issues. That he [Attebury] was altogether in the wrong on the main question, and on all the collateral questions springing out of it, . . . is true. --Macaulay. 4. Tending toward the same conclusion or result as something else; additional; as, collateral evidence. Yet the attempt may give Collateral interest to this homely tale. --Wordsworth. 5. (Genealogy) Descending from the same stock or ancestor, but not in the same line or branch or one from the other; -- opposed to lineal. Note: Lineal descendants proceed one from another in a direct line; collateral relations spring from a common ancestor, but from different branches of that common stirps or stock. Thus the children of brothers are collateral relations, having different fathers, but a common grandfather. --Blackstone. {Collateral assurance}, that which is made, over and above the deed itself. {Collateral circulation} (Med. & Physiol.), circulation established through indirect or subordinate branches when the supply through the main vessel is obstructed. {Collateral issue}. (Law) (a) An issue taken upon a matter aside from the merits of the case. (b) An issue raised by a criminal convict who pleads any matter allowed by law in bar of execution, as pardon, diversity of person, etc. (c) A point raised, on cross-examination, aside from the issue fixed by the pleadings, as to which the answer of the witness, when given, cannot subsequently be contradicted by the party asking the question. {Collateral security}, security for the performance of covenants, or the payment of money, besides the principal security,
\Col*lat"er*al\, n. 1. A collateral relative. --Ayliffe. 2. Collateral security; that which is pledged or deposited as collateral security.