Easton's Bible Dictionary A person delivered into the hands of another as a security for the performance of some promise, etc. (2 Kings 14:14; 2 Chronicles 25:24). Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) 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. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia HOSTAGE hos'-taj. See WAR.