pledge
verbnouncommon in dialogue
- //plɛd͡ʒ//
To make a solemn promise (to do something).
verb
- 1
To make a solemn promise (to do something).
pledge allegiance to the flag
- 2
To deposit something as a security; to pawn.
- 3
To give assurance of friendship by the act of drinking; to drink to one's health.
HARDCASTLE [Taking the cup.] I hope you'll find it to your mind. I have prepared it with my own hands, and I believe you'll own the ingredients are tolerable. Will you be so good as to pledge me, sir? Here, Mr. Marlow, here is to our better acquaintance. [Drinks.]
Reach me my golden cup that stands by thee, And pledge me in it first for courtesy.
Etymology
From Middle English plege, from Anglo-Norman plege, from Old French plege (Modern French pleige) from Medieval Latin plevium, plebium, from plebiō (“to pledge”), from Frankish *plehan (“to pledge; to support; to guarantee”). Akin to Old High German pflegan (“to take care of, be accustomed to”), Old Saxon plegan (“to vouch for”), Old English plēon (“to risk, endanger”). More at plight.
noun
- 1
A solemn promise to do something.
Mr. Biden unveiled the pledge at a White House climate summit for world leaders, declaring that the United States is ready to reclaim a leadership role on climate change.
- 2
A solemn promise to do something. A promise to abstain from drinking alcohol.
- 3
An asset or person temporarily handed over to guarantee the fulfilment of something promised, under threat of permanent loss of the thing handed over; surety, security, hostage.
Iacke Straw. […] I haue his wife and children pledges, for his ſpeedie returne from the King, to whom he is gone with our meſſage. Tom Miller. Let him take heede hee bring a wiſe anſwere to our worships, or els his pledges goes to the pot.
- 4
A bailment of personal property to secure payment of a debt without transfer of title.
- 5
A bailment of personal property to secure payment of a debt without transfer of title. The personal property so pledged, to be kept until the debt is paid.
- 6
A person who has taken a pledge of allegiance to a college fraternity, but is not yet formally approved.
- 7
A drinking toast.
Forms
- plural
- pledges
- past tense
- pledged
- past participle
- pledged
- present participle
- pledging
- third person singular
- pledges
pledge · To make a solemn promise (to do something).
pledged · Under the obligation of a promise made.plenty · A more-than-adequate amount; plenitude; a great deal.Plenty · A village in Saskatchewan, Canada.