plighter

plight ¹

 (plīt)

n.

A situation, especially a bad or unfortunate one. See Synonyms at predicament.

---

[Middle English, alteration (influenced by plight, risky promise or pledge) of plit, fold, wrinkle, situation, from Anglo-Norman, from Latin plicitum, neuter past participle of plicāre, to fold; see plek- in Indo-European roots.]

---

plight ²

 (plīt)

tr.v. plight·ed, plight·ing, plights

1. To promise or bind by a solemn pledge, especially to betroth.

2. To give or pledge (one's word or oath, for example).

n.

A solemn pledge, as of faith.

Idiom:

plight (one's) troth

1. To become engaged to marry.

2. To give one's solemn oath.

---

[Middle English plighten, from Old English plihtan, to endanger, put at risk, from pliht, danger, risk; see dlegh- in Indo-European roots.]

---

plight′er n.

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.