pledge
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]
Pledge \Pledge\, n. [OF. plege, pleige, pledge, guaranty, LL.
| plegium, plivium; akin to OF. plevir to bail, guaranty, perhaps fr. L. praebere to proffer, offer (sc. fidem a trust, a promise of security), but cf. also E. play. [root]28. Cf. {Prebend}, {Replevin}.] |
- (Law) 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. Note: Pledge is ordinarily confined to personal property; the title or ownership does not pass by it; possession is essential to it. In all these points it differs from a mortgage [see {Mortgage}]; and in the last, from the hypotheca of the Roman law. See {Hypotheca}. --Story. Kent.
- (Old Eng. Law) A person who undertook, or became responsible, for another; a bail; a surety; a hostage. ``I am Grumio's pledge.'' --Shak.
- A hypothecation without transfer of possession.
- 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. ``That voice, their liveliest pledge of hope.'' --Milton.
- A promise or agreement by which one binds one's 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.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913] Pledge \Pledge\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Pledged}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Pledging}.] [Cf. OF. pleiger to give security. See {Pledge}, n.]
- To deposit, as a chattel, in pledge or pawn; to leave in possession of another as security; as, to pledge one's watch.
- To give or pass as a security; to guarantee; to engage; to plight; as, to pledge one's word and honor. We mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor. --The Declaration of Independence.
- To secure performance of, as by a pledge. [Obs.] To pledge my vow, I give my hand. --Shak.
- To bind or engage by promise or declaration; to engage solemnly; as, to pledge one's self.
- 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. Pledge me, my friend, and drink till thou be'st wise. --Cowley.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 [wn]
pledge
- n a deposit of personal property as security for a debt; "his saxophone was in pledge"
- someone accepted for membership but not yet fully admitted to the group
- a drink in honor of or to the health of a person or event [syn: {toast}]
- a binding commitment to do or give or refrain from something: "an assurance of help when needed"; "signed a pledge never to reveal the secret" [syn: {assurance}]
- promise solemnly and formally [syn: {plight}]
- propose a toast to; "Let us toast the birthday girl!" "Let's drink to the New Year" [syn: {toast}, {drink}, {salute}, {wassail}]
- give as a guarantee; "I pledge my honor"
- bind or secure by a pledge
From Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary [easton]
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