Definition of pledge

• n. - 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.
• n. - A person who undertook, or became responsible, for another; a bail; a surety; a hostage.
• n. - A hypothecation without transfer of possession.
• n. - 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.
• n. - 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.
• n. - A sentiment to which assent is given by drinking one's health; a toast; a health.
• n. - To deposit, as a chattel, in pledge or pawn; to leave in possession of another as security; as, to pledge one's watch.
• n. - To give or pass as a security; to guarantee; to engage; to plight; as, to pledge one's word and honor.
• n. - To secure performance of, as by a pledge.
• n. - To bind or engage by promise or declaration; to engage solemnly; as, to pledge one's self.
• n. - 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.