4. 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. "That voice, their liveliest pledge of hope."
Milton.
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, 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.