Note: Pledge is ordinarily confined to personal property; the
title or ownership does not pass by it; possession is
essential to it. In all these points it differs from a
mortgage [see {Mortgage}]; and in the last, from the
hypotheca of the Roman law. See {Hypotheca}. --Story.
Kent.
2. (Old Eng. Law) A person who undertook, or became
responsible, for another; a bail; a surety; a hostage. ``I
am Grumio's pledge.'' --Shak.
3. A hypothecation without transfer of possession.
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.
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.