Emily Dickinson Lexicon

IN-SUR'ANCE, n. [from insure.]

1. The act of insuring or assuring against loss or damage; or a contract by which one engages for a stipulated consideration or premium per cent to make up a loss which another may sustain. Insurance is usually made on goods or property exposed to uncommon hazard, or on lives.
2. The premium paid for insuring property or life. Insurance company, a company or corporation whose business is to insure against loss or damage.