meaning of pledge
1. The transfer of possession of personal property from a debtor to a creditor as security for a debt or engagement; also, the contract created between the debtor and creditor by a thing being so delivered or deposited, forming a species of bailment; also, that which is so delivered or deposited; something put in pawn.
2. A person who undertook, or became responsible, for another; a bail; a surety; a hostage.
3. A hypothecation without transfer of possession.
4. Anything given or considered as a security for the performance of an act; a guarantee; as, mutual interest is the best pledge for the performance of treaties.
5. A promise or agreement by which one binds ones self to do, or to refrain from doing, something; especially, a solemn promise in writing to refrain from using intoxicating liquors or the like; as, to sign the pledge; the mayor had made no pledges.
6. A sentiment to which assent is given by drinking ones health; a toast; a health.
7. To deposit, as a chattel, in pledge or pawn; to leave in possession of another as security; as, to pledge ones watch.
8. To give or pass as a security; to guarantee; to engage; to plight; as, to pledge ones word and honor.
9. To secure performance of, as by a pledge.
10. To bind or engage by promise or declaration; to engage solemnly; as, to pledge ones self.
11. To invite another to drink, by drinking of the cup first, and then handing it to him, as a pledge of good will; hence, to drink the health of; to toast.
12. a binding commitment to do or give or refrain from something; "an assurance of help when needed"; "signed a pledge never to reveal the
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Related Words
pledge | pledge taker | pledged | pledgee | pledgeless | pledgeor | pledger | pledgery | pledget |
