Pledge

English Meaning

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.

1. A solemn binding promise to do, give, or refrain from doing something: signed a pledge never to reveal the secret; a pledge of money to a charity.
2. Something given or held as security to guarantee payment of a debt or fulfillment of an obligation.
3. The condition of something thus given or held: put an article in pledge.
4. Law Delivery of goods or personal property as security for a debt or obligation: a loan requiring a pledge of property.
5. Law The contract by which such delivery is made.
6. A token or sign: "fair pledges of a fruitful tree” ( Robert Herrick).
7. A person who has been accepted for membership in a fraternity or similar organization and has promised to join but has not yet been initiated.
8. The act of drinking in honor of someone; a toast.
9. A vow to abstain from alcoholic liquor: ex-drinkers who have taken the pledge.
10. To offer or guarantee by a solemn binding promise: pledge loyalty to a nation. See Synonyms at devote, promise.
11. To bind or secure by or as if by a pledge: pledged themselves to the cause.
12. To deposit as security; pawn.
13. To promise to join (a fraternity or similar organization).
14. To accept as a prospective member of such an organization.
15. To drink a toast to.
16. To make a solemn binding promise; swear.
17. To drink a toast.