5. 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.
6. A sentiment to which assent is given by drinking one's health; a toast; a health.
Dead pledge. [A translation of LL.
mortuum vadium.]
(Law) A mortgage. See Mortgage. — Living
pledge. [A translation of LL. vivum vadium.] (Law) The conveyance of an estate to another for money
borrowed, to be held by him until the debt is paid out of the rents and profits. — To hold in pledge, to
keep as security. — To put in pledge, to pawn; to give as security.
Syn. — See Earnest.
Pledge
(Pledge), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Pledged ; p. pr. & vb. n. Pledging.] [Cf. OF. pleiger to give
security. See Pledge, n.]
1. To deposit, as a chattel, in pledge or pawn; to leave in possession of another as security; as, to pledge
one's watch.
2. To give or pass as a security; to guarantee; to engage; to plight; as, to pledge one's word and honor.
We mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.
The Declaration of
Independence. 3. To secure performance of, as by a pledge. [Obs.]
To pledge my vow, I give my hand.
Shak. 4. To bind or engage by promise or declaration; to engage solemnly; as, to pledge one's self.
5. 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.
Pledge me, my friend, and drink till thou be'st wise.
Cowley. Pledgee
(Pledg*ee") n. The one to whom a pledge is given, or to whom property pledged is delivered.
Pledgeless
(Pledge"less) a. Having no pledge.
Pledgeor
(Pledge*or", Pledg*or") n. (Law) One who pledges, or delivers anything in pledge; a pledger; —
opposed to pledgee.
This word analogically requires the e after g, but the spelling pledgor is perhaps commoner.
Pledger
(Pledg"er) n. One who pledges.
Pledgery
(Pledg"er*y) n. [Cf. OF. pleigerie.] A pledging; suretyship. [Obs.]
Pledget
(Pledg"et) n. [Prov. E., a small plug.]
1. A small plug. [Prov. End.]
2. (Naut.) A string of oakum used in calking.
3. (Med.) A compress, or small flat tent of lint, laid over a wound, ulcer, or the like, to exclude air, retain
dressings, or absorb the matter discharged.