PLEDGE • E-FREE TRANSLATION.COM • Definition of Pledge

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/plɛdʒ/ Listen

noun

Pledge n.

(Law) The transfer of possession of personal property from a debtor to a creditor as security for a debt or engagement; also, the contract created between the debtor and creditor by a thing being so delivered or deposited, forming a species of bailment; also, that which is so delivered or deposited; something put in pawn. Note: Pledge is ordinarily confined to personal property; the title or ownership does not pass by it; possession is essential to it. In all these points it differs from a mortgage (see Mortgage); and in the last, from the hypotheca of the Roman law. See Hypotheca.

(Old Eng. Law) A person who undertook, or became responsible, for another; a bail; a surety; a hostage. "I am Grumio's pledge."

A hypothecation without transfer of possession.

Anything given or considered as a security for the performance of an act; a guarantee; as, mutual interest is the best pledge for the performance of treaties. "That voice, their liveliest pledge of hope."

A promise or agreement by which one binds one's self to do, or to refrain from doing, something; especially, a solemn promise in writing to refrain from using intoxicating liquors or the like; as, to sign the pledge; the mayor had made no pledges.

A sentiment to which assent is given by drinking one's health; a toast; a health.

Dead pledge. (Law) A mortgage. See Mortgage.

Living pledge. (Law) The conveyance of an estate to another for money borrowed, to be held by him until the debt is paid out of the rents and profits.

To hold in pledge, to keep as security.

To put in pledge, to pawn; to give as security.

Synonyms: See Earnest.

verb

Pledge v. t. (past & past part. pledged; pres. part. pledging)

To deposit, as a chattel, in pledge or pawn; to leave in possession of another as security; as, to pledge one's watch.

To give or pass as a security; to guarantee; to engage; to plight; as, to pledge one's word and honor. "We mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor."

To secure performance of, as by a pledge. (Obs.) "To pledge my vow, I give my hand."

To bind or engage by promise or declaration; to engage solemnly; as, to pledge one's self.

To invite another to drink, by drinking of the cup first, and then handing it to him, as a pledge of good will; hence, to drink the health of; to toast. "Pledge me, my friend, and drink till thou be'st wise."

See images of 'Pledge'

Etymology of 'Pledge'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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