Trust is used here in this third sense, as a social relationship in which principals-for whatever reason or state of mind-invest resources, authority, or responsibility in another to act on their behalf for some uncertain future return. Common networks of social relations shared by principal and agent may provide a sufficient incentive for trust-but not a necessary one.

DEFINE: Defines trust as a principal-agent investment relationship with uncertain future returns, distinct from simpler notions of trusting as personal confidence.

Shapiro, Susan P., The Social Control of Imper…, loc. 17