pledge Definition

pledge
noun

1. A solemn promise.

Thesaurus: promise, guarantee, assurance, oath, vow, word of honour.
2. Something left as security with someone to whom one owes money, etc.
3. Something put into pawn.
4. A token or symbol.

Example: a ring as a pledge of love
5. A toast drunk as proof of friendship, etc.

verb pledged, pledging

1. To promise (money, loyalty, etc) to someone.

Thesaurus: promise, swear, vouch, vow.
2. To bind or commit (oneself, etc).

Thesaurus: ensure, mortgage, contract, secure, bind, sign for.
3. To offer or give something as a pledge or guarantee.
4. old use
To drink the health of someone.

Derivative: pledgeable
adj

Derivative: pledgee
noun

The person to whom a thing is pledged.

Derivative: pledger
noun

The person who pledges something.

Idiom: take the pledge (sign the pledge)

facetious, old use
To undertake to drink no alcohol.

Etymology: 14c: from French plege.