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.
A person who undertook, or became responsible, for another; a bail; a surety; a hostage.
A hypothecation without transfer of possession.
Anything given or considered as a security for the performance of an act; a guarantee; as, mutual interest is the best pledge for the performance of treaties.
A promise or agreement by which one binds one’s self to do, or to refrain from doing, something; especially, a solemn promise in writing to refrain from using intoxicating liquors or the like; as, to sign the pledge; the mayor had made no pledges.
A sentiment to which assent is given by drinking one’s health; a toast; a health.
To deposit, as a chattel, in pledge or pawn; to leave in possession of another as security; as, to pledge one’s watch.
To give or pass as a security; to guarantee; to engage; to plight; as, to pledge one’s word and honor.
To secure performance of, as by a pledge.
To bind or engage by promise or declaration; to engage solemnly; as, to pledge one’s self.
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.
A conveyance of property, upon condition, as security for the payment of a debt or the preformance of a duty, and to become void upon payment or performance according to the stipulated terms; also, the written instrument by which the conveyance is made.
State of being pledged; as, lands given in mortgage.
To grant or convey, as property, for the security of a debt, or other engagement, upon a condition that if the debt or engagement shall be discharged according to the contract, the conveyance shall be void, otherwise to become absolute, subject, however, to the right of redemption.
Hence: To pledge, either literally or figuratively; to make subject to a claim or obligation.
