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

He was released on his own recognizance that day, with an arraignment scheduled the morning of the gunfight with a tactical team in Iowa Hill. — Nicole Buss, Sacbee.com, 22 Sep. 2026

He was released the same day on his own recognizance, deputies said. — Breaking News, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 2026

Among issues to be addressed at Friday’s pretrial hearing is Teuber’s motion requesting the court set bond or release him on his own recognizance. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 16 Sep. 2026

Murphy, 22, has been indicted on one count of theft of mail matter by employee, and was released on his own recognizance, officials said. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 4 Sep. 2026

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