1. the amount of
money on which one is currently paying or receiving
interest.
2. the
face value of a
note,
stock,
bond, etc.
3. a person who hires or authorizes an
agent to
act on his behalf.
4. that person responsible for fulfilling an obligation such as payment of a
debt as distinguished from the person who endorses, cosigns., or
acts as
surety on it.