Main Entry: frank·pledge

Pronunciation: \ˈfraŋk-ˌplej\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English frankeplegge, from Anglo-French francplege (probably translation of Middle English friborg peace pledge), from franc free + plege pledge

Date: 15th century

: an Anglo-Saxon system under which each adult male member of a tithing was responsible for the good conduct of the others; also : the member himself or the tithing