( BrE also rec·og·nis·ance ) / rɪˈkɒgnɪzəns; NAmE -ˈkɑːg-/ noun
[ U ] ( law ) a promise by sb who is accused of a crime to appear in court on a particular date; a sum of money paid as a guarantee of this promise
••
WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Old French reconnissance , from reconnaistre recognize.