Definition
'Collateral' means something pledged as security for repayment of a loan, to be forfeited in the event of a default. Think of it as a guarantee that you'll pay back the money you borrowed. If you can't repay the loan, the lender can take the collateral. It's like saying, 'If I don't pay you back, you can have this.' It can also refer to related but not directly in the main line of descent. ๐ค