Gage
/ɡeɪdʒ/noun
A pledge or promise, often in the context of a loan or security.
Did you know?In medieval times, a 'gage' was often a life-or-death promise, binding individuals in matters of honor and trust.
Etymological Timeline
Old French
Old French
gage
“A pledge or security, often in terms of property or life.”
Middle English
Middle English
gage
“An item given as a pledge or token, derived from Old French.”
Latin
Latin
vadium
“A pledge or bail, indicating a binding commitment.”
Proto-Germanic
Proto-Germanic
waidō
“To lead or guide, suggesting a connection to giving or holding commitments.”
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
weid-
“To see or to know, related to the concept of being bound by knowledge or promise.”