plural of hosta

Any of several herbaceous Asiatic plants of the genus Hosta.

A person given as a pledge or security for the performance of the conditions of a treaty or similar agreement, such as to ensure the status of a vassal.

(possibly nonstandard) To give (someone or something) as a hostage to (someone or something else).

An action or remark that is considered unwise because it could invoke trouble or be difficult to live up to.

plural of hostage

To have possession or custody of (a person) as security for performance against a treaty, a pledge, or a demand, especially now an extra-legal demand.

(transitive) To take custody or possession of a person as security for performance against a treaty, a pledge, or a demand, especially now an extra-legal demand; to take as hostage.

(politics, law) A person who negotiates with a person, or groups of persons, for the release of a person, or groups of persons.

plural of hostage negotiator