Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SURE, a. [shure; Fr. sûr, seur; Arm. sur; Norm. seor, seur. In G. zwar signifies indeed, to be sure, it is true; which leads me to suspect sure to be contracted from the root of sever, in L. assevero, and to be connected with swear and perhaps with L. verus; s being the remains of a prefix. But sure may be a contraction of L. securus.]

1. Certain; unfailing; infallible The testimony of the Lord is sure. – Ps. xix. We have also a more sure word of prophecy. – 2 Pet i.
2. Certainly knowing; or having full confidence. We are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth. – Rom. ii. Now we are sure that thou knowest all things. – John xvi.
3. Certain; safe; firm; permanent. Thy kingdom shall be sure to thee. – Dan. iv.
4. Firm; stable; steady; not liable to failure, loss or change; as, a sure covenant. – 2 Sam. xxiii. Neh. ix. Is. xxviii. The Lord will make my lord a sure house. – 1 Sam. xxv. So we say, to stand sure, to be sure of foot.
5. Certain of obtaining or of retaining; as, to be sure of game; to be sure of success; to be sure of life or health.
6. Strong; secure; not liable to be broken or disturbed. Go your way, make it as sure as ye can. – Matth. xxvii.
7. Certain; not liable to failure. The income is sure. To be sure, or be sure, certainly. Shall you go? be sure I shall. To make sure, to make certain; to secure so that there can be no failure of the purpose or object. Make sure of Cato. – Addison. A peace can not fail, provided we make sure of Spain. – Temple. Give all diligence to make your calling and election sure. – 2 Pet. i.