Main Entry: re·cog·ni·zance

Pronunciation: \ri-ˈkäg-nə-zən(t)s, -ˈkä-nə-\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English recognissance, alteration of reconissaunce, from Anglo-French, from reconoistre to recognize

Date: 14th century

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