Pledging

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  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.


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     2. To give or pass as a security; to guarantee; to engage; to
        plight; as, to pledge one's word and honor.
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              We mutually pledge to each other our lives, our
              fortunes, and our sacred honor.       --The
                                                    Declaration of
                                                    Independence.
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     3. To secure performance of, as by a pledge. [Obs.]
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              To pledge my vow, I give my hand.     --Shak.
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     4. To bind or engage by promise or declaration; to engage
        solemnly; as, to pledge one's self.
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     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.
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              Pledge me, my friend, and drink till thou be'st
              wise.                                 --Cowley.
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