n. & v.
n. 1 a solemn promise or undertaking. 2 a thing given as security for the fulfilment of a contract, the payment of a debt, etc., and liable to forfeiture in the event of failure. 3 a thing put in pawn. 4 a thing given as a token of love, favour, or something to come. 5 the drinking of a person's health; a toast. 6 a solemn undertaking to abstain from alcohol (sign the pledge). 7 the state of being pledged (goods lying in pledge).
v.tr. 1 a deposit as security. b pawn. 2 promise solemnly by the pledge of (one's honour, word, etc.). 3 (often refl.) bind by a solemn promise. 4 drink to the health of. pledge one's troth see TROTH. pledgeable adj. pledger n. pledgor n.
[ ME plege f. OF plege f. LL plebium f. plebire assure ]