pledge

Meanings

Verb

• To make a solemn promise (to do something).
• To deposit something as a security; to pawn.
• To give assurance of friendship by the act of drinking; to drink to one's health.

Noun

• A solemn promise to do something.
• A bailment of personal property to secure payment of a debt without transfer of title.
• A person who has taken a pledge of allegiance to a college fraternity, but is not yet formally approved.
• A drinking toast.

Origin

• From Middle English plege, from Anglo-Norman plege, from Old French plege (Modern French pleige) from Medieval Latin plevium, plebium, from plebiō, from Frankish *plehan ("to pledge; to support; to guarantee"). Akin to Old High German pflegan ("to take care of, be accustomed to"), Old Saxon plegan ("to vouch for"), Old English plēon ("to risk, endanger"). More at plight.