First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1pledge
noun \ˈplej\
: a serious promise or agreement
: a promise to give money
: something that you leave with another person as a way to show that you will keep your promise
Full Definition of PLEDGE
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
See pledge defined for English-language learners
See pledge defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of PLEDGE
Middle English plegge security, from Anglo-French plege, from Late Latin plebium, from *plebere to pledge, probably of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German pflegan to take care of — more at plight
Other Economics Terms
2pledge
verb
: to formally promise to give or do (something)
: to cause (someone) to formally promise something
: to give (something) as a way to show that you will keep your promise to someone
pledgedpledg·ing
Full Definition of PLEDGE
transitive verb
1
: to make a pledge of; especially : 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 \ˈple-jər\ or pled·gor \ˈple-jər, ple-ˈjȯr\ noun
See pledge defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of PLEDGE
15th century
Other Economics Terms
PLEDGE Defined for Kids
1pledge
noun \ˈplej\
Definition of PLEDGE for Kids
1
: a promise or agreement that must be kept
2
: something handed over to another to ensure that the giver will keep his or her promise or agreement
3
: a promise to give money
2pledge
verb
pledgedpledg·ing
Definition of PLEDGE for Kids
1
: to promise to give <I pledge allegiance.>
2
: to cause (someone) to promise something <He pledged himself to secrecy.>
3
: to give as assurance of a promise (as of repayment of a loan)
Learn More About PLEDGE
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up pledge? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).