pledge

¹pledge

noun \ˈplej\

Definition of PLEDGE

1

a : a bailment of a chattel as security for a debt or other obligation without involving transfer of title b : the chattel so delivered c : the contract incidental to such a bailment

2

a : the state of being held as a security or guaranty b : something given as security for the performance of an act

3

: a token, sign, or earnest of something else

4

: a gage of battle

5

: toast 3

6

a : a binding promise or agreement to do or forbear b (1) : a promise to join a fraternity, sorority, or secret society (2) : a person who has so promised

Examples of PLEDGE

1. He has promised to fulfill a campaign pledge to cut taxes.
2. To make a pledge or donation, please call the charity's office.
3. The company has made a pledge of over $3,000.
4. He left his car as a pledge that he would return with the money.

Origin of PLEDGE

Middle English plegge security, from Anglo-French plege, from Late Latin plebium, from *plebere to pledge, probably of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German pflegan to take care of — more at plight

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to PLEDGE

Synonyms: gage, guarantee, guaranty, pawn, security

Related Words: bail, bond; deposit, down payment, earnest, handsel; surety, warranty; assurance, oath, promise, troth, word; commitment, compact, contract, covenant; recognizance

see all synonyms and antonyms

[+]more[-]hide

Other Economics Terms

actuary, compound interest, globalization, indemnity, portfolio, rentier, stagflation, usurer

Rhymes with PLEDGE

dredge, edge, fledge, hedge, kedge, ledge, sedge, sledge, veg, wedge