recognizance

One entry found for recognizance.

Main Entry: re·cog·ni·zance
Pronunciation: ri-'käg-n&-z&n(t)s, -'kä-n&-
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English recognissance, alteration of reconissaunce, from Anglo-French, from reconoistre to recognize
1 a : an obligation of record entered into before a court or magistrate requiring the performance of an act (as appearance in court) usually under penalty of a money forfeiture <released on his own recognizance> b : the sum liable to forfeiture upon such an obligation
2 archaic : TOKEN, PLEDGE