[pledge] n [ME, security, fr. MF plege, fr. LL plebium, fr. (assumed) LL plebere to pledge, prob. of Gmc origin; akin to OHG pflegan to take care of--more at plight] (14c) 1 a: a bailment of a chattel as security for a debt or other obligation without involving transfer of title b: the chattel so delivered c: the contract incidental to such a bailment
2. a: the state of being held as a security or guaranty b: something given as security for the performance of an act
3: a token, sign, or earnest of something else
4: a gage of battle
5: toast 3
6. a: a binding promise or agreement to do or forbear b (1): a promise to join a fraternity, sorority, or secret society (2): a person who has so promised
[2]pledge vt pledged ; pledg.ing (15c) 1: to make a pledge of; esp: pawn
2: to drink to the health of
3: to bind by a pledge
4: to promise the performance of by a pledge -- pledg.er or pled.gor n