recognizance

noun

re·​cog·​ni·​zance ri-ˈkäg-nə-zən(t)s 

-ˈkä-nə-

1

a

: an obligation of record entered into before a court or magistrate requiring the performance of an act (such 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

Examples of recognizance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

O’Connell was released on his own recognizance because the charges stemming from the road rage incident are not eligible for bail, according to the office. —Julia Marnin, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2025

Although a judge did find probable cause for their arrests on Monday, they were released on their own recognizance with no charges pending. —Abby Monteil, Them., 2 Sep. 2025

All three suspects, who pleaded not guilty and have since been released on their own recognizance (RoR), live at the Toledo address, per the outlet. —Becca Longmire, People.com, 1 Sep. 2025

However, the records also indicate that the officer was granted release from the Butler County Jail on his own recognizance. —Quinlan Bentley, Cincinnati Enquirer, 27 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing recognizance

• on someone's own recognizance

Kids Definition

recognizance

noun

re·​cog·​ni·​zance ri-ˈkäg-nə-zən(t)s 

-ˈkän-ə-

: a recorded legal promise to do something (as to appear in court)

Legal Definition

recognizance

noun

re·​cog·​ni·​zance ri-ˈkäg-nə-zəns 

1

: an obligation entered into on the record before a court or magistrate requiring the performance of an act (as the paying of a debt) usually under penalty of a money forfeiture

also : the sum liable to forfeiture

2

: a simple personal obligation or undertaking (as to appear in court) entered into before a magistrate and having no money penalty attached

released on his own recognizance

Etymology

Anglo-French recognisance, reconisance, literally, recognition, from Old French reconoisance, from reconoistre to recognize, from Latin recognoscere