pledge (pl j)n. 1. A solemn binding promise to do, give, or refrain from doing something: signed a pledge never to reveal the secret; a pledge of money to a charity. 2. a. Something given or held as security to guarantee payment of a debt or fulfillment of an obligation. b. The condition of something thus given or held: put an article in pledge. 3. Law a. Delivery of goods or personal property as security for a debt or obligation: a loan requiring a pledge of property. b. The contract by which such delivery is made. 4. A token or sign: "fair pledges of a fruitful tree" (Robert Herrick). 5. A person who has been accepted for membership in a fraternity or similar organization and has promised to join but has not yet been initiated. 6. The act of drinking in honor of someone; a toast. 7. A vow to abstain from alcoholic liquor: ex-drinkers who have taken the pledge. v. pledged, pledg·ing, pledg·es v.tr. 1. To offer or guarantee by a solemn binding promise: pledge loyalty to a nation. See Synonyms at devote, promise. 2. To bind or secure by or as if by a pledge: pledged themselves to the cause. 3. To deposit as security; pawn. 4. a. To promise to join (a fraternity or similar organization). b. To accept as a prospective member of such an organization. 5. To drink a toast to. v.intr. 1. To make a solemn binding promise; swear. 2. To drink a toast. [Middle English, from Old French plege, probably from Late Latin plevium, a security, of Germanic origin; see dlegh- in Indo-European roots.] |
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