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(), n.[OF. plege, pleige, pledge, guaranty, LL. plegium, plivium; akin to OF. plevir to bail, guaranty, perhaps fr. L. praebere to proffer, offer (sc. fidem a trust, a promise of security), but cf. also E. play. 28. Cf. Prebend, Replevin.] 1. (Law) The transfer of possession of personal property from a debtor to a creditor as security for a debt or engagement; also, the contract created between the debtor and creditor by a thing being so delivered or deposited, forming a species of bailment; also, that which is so delivered or deposited; something put in pawn. Pledge is ordinarily confined to personal property; the title or ownership does not pass by it; possession is essential to it. In all these points it differs from a mortgage [see Mortgage]; and in the last, from the hypotheca of the Roman law. See Hypotheca. Story. Kent. 2. (O. Eng. Law) A person who undertook, or became responsible, for another; a bail; a surety; a hostage. "I am Grumio's pledge." Shak. 3. A hy Pledge v. t.[imp. & p. p.Pledged (); p. pr. & vb. n.Pledging.] [Cf. OF. pleiger to give security. See Pledge, n.] 1. To deposit, as a chattel, in pledge or pawn; to leave in possession of another as security; as, to pledge one's watch. 2. To give or pass as a security; to guarantee; to engage; to plight; as, to pledge one's word and honor. We mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor. The Declaration of Independence. 3. To secure performance of, as by a pledge. [Obs.] To pledge my vow, I give my hand. Shak. 4. To bind or engage by promise or declaration; to engage solemnly; as, to pledge one's self. 5. To invite another to drink, by drinking of the cup first, and then handing it to him, as a pledge of good will; hence, to drink the health of; to toast. Pledge me, my friend, and drink till thou be'st wise. Cowley. スポンサード リンク
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