[re.cog.ni.zance] n [ME, alter. of reconissaunce, fr. MF reconoissance recognition, fr. reconoistre to recognize] (14c) 1 a: an obligation of record entered into before a court or magistrate requiring the performance of an act (as appearance in court) usu. under penalty of a money forfeiture "released on his own ~" b: the sum liable to forfeiture upon such an obligation
2. archaic: token, pledge