Main Entry:

¹pledge

Pronunciation:

\ˈplej\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

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

Date:

14th century

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 bailment2 a: the state of being held as a security or guaranty b: something given as security for the performance of an act3: a token, sign, or earnest of something else4: a gage of battle5: toast 36 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