From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Insure \In*sure"\, v. i. To underwrite; to make insurance; as, a company insures at three per cent. [1913 Webster]
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Insure \In"sure\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Insured; p. pr. & vb. n. Insuring.] [OE. ensuren, prob. for assuren, by a change of prefix. See 1st In-, and Sure, and cf. Assure, Ensure.] [Written also ensure.] [1913 Webster] 1. To make sure or secure; as, to insure safety to any one. [1913 Webster]
2. Specifically, to secure against a loss by a contingent event, on certain stipulated conditions, or at a given rate or premium; to give or to take an insurance on or for; as, a merchant insures his ship or its cargo, or both, against the dangers of the sea; goods and buildings are insured against fire or water; persons are insured against sickness, accident, or death; and sometimes hazardous debts are insured. [1913 Webster]