pledge
noun
- type of legal relationship
verb
- to solemnly promise
Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /plɛd͡ʒ/
noun
Etymology: From Middle English plege, from Anglo-Norman plege, from Old French plege (Modern French pleige) from Medieval Latin plevium, plebium, from plebiō (“to pledge”), from Frankish *plehan (“to pledge; to support; to guarantee”). Akin to Old High German pflegan (“to take care of, be accustomed to”), Old Saxon plegan (“to vouch for”), Old English plēon (“to risk, endanger”). More at plight.
- A solemn promise to do something.
“Mr. Biden unveiled the pledge at a White House climate summit for world leaders, declaring that the United States is ready to reclaim a leadership role on climate change.”
- A solemn promise to do something.
- An asset or person temporarily handed over to guarantee the fulfilment of something promised, under threat of permanent loss of the thing handed over; surety, security, hostage.
“Iacke Straw. […] I haue his wife and children pledges, for his ſpeedie returne from the King, to whom he is gone with our meſſage. Tom Miller. Let him take heede hee bring a wiſe anſwere to our worships, or els his pledges goes to the pot.”
- A bailment of personal property to secure payment of a debt without transfer of title.
- A bailment of personal property to secure payment of a debt without transfer of title.
- A person who has taken a pledge of allegiance to a college fraternity, but is not yet formally approved.
- A drinking toast.
verb
Etymology: From Middle English plege, from Anglo-Norman plege, from Old French plege (Modern French pleige) from Medieval Latin plevium, plebium, from plebiō (“to pledge”), from Frankish *plehan (“to pledge; to support; to guarantee”). Akin to Old High German pflegan (“to take care of, be accustomed to”), Old Saxon plegan (“to vouch for”), Old English plēon (“to risk, endanger”). More at plight.
- To make a solemn promise (to do something).
“pledge allegiance to the flag”
- To deposit something as a security; to pawn.
- To give assurance of friendship by the act of drinking; to drink to one's health.
“HARDCASTLE [Taking the cup.] I hope you'll find it to your mind. I have prepared it with my own hands, and I believe you'll own the ingredients are tolerable. Will you be so good as to pledge me, sir? Here, Mr. Marlow, here is to our better acquaintance. [Drinks.]”
“Reach me my golden cup that stands by thee, And pledge me in it first for courtesy.”