noun.
In law: A person who goes surety or gives bail for another; especially, a surety whom early English law required of a plaintiff on bringing an action. After a time “John Doe” and “Richard Roe” did duty as such pledges.
noun.
A bailment of personal property as a security for some debt or engagement. Story, J.
noun.
Anything given or considered as security for the performance of an act; a guaranty.
noun.
Figuratively, a child; offspring.
noun.
A surety; a hostage.
noun.
A formal obligation whereby one voluntarily binds himself to abstain from the use of intoxicating drink.
noun.
A token or sign of favor, agreement, etc.
noun.
An expression of good will, or a promise of friendship and support, conveyed by drinking together; hence, in a more general sense, the act of drinking together; the drinking of a health.
To give as a pledge or pawn; deposit in pawn; deposit or leave in possession of a person as security. See pledge, n.
To give or formally and solemnly offer as a guaranty or security.
To bind to something by a pledge, promise, or engagement; engage solemnly: as, to pledge one's self.
To guarantee the performance of by or as by a pledge.
To give assurance of friendship to, or promise friendship to, by or in the act of drinking; hence, to drink a health to or with.
To assure solemnly or in a binding manner; guarantee.
= Syn. 1-3. To pawn, hypothecate. See plight, verb