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.
Phrases and idioms:
pledge one's troth see TROTH.
Derivatives:
pledgeable adj. pledger n. pledgor n.
Etymology: ME plege f. OF plege f. LL plebium f. plebire assure