Pledge
/plɛdʒ/noun
A solemn promise or agreement to do something.
Did you know?In medieval times, pledges were often made on sacred relics, binding the person to their promise in a way believed to invoke divine witness.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
plagō
“To express a binding promise or agreement.”
Old English
OE
plegian
“To pledge or to engage oneself.”
Old French
OF
plege
“A security or surety for a promise.”
Middle English
ME
plegge
“A binding promise or guarantee.”
Modern English
English
pledge
“A solemn promise or commitment, especially in legal contexts.”
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