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