Pledge /(?)/

1. The transfer of possession of personal property from a debtor to a creditor as security for a debt or engagement; also, the contract created between the debtor and creditor by a thing being so delivered or deposited, forming a species of bailment; also, that which is so delivered or deposited; something put in pawn. (Law)
2. A person who undertook, or became responsible, for another; a bail; a surety; a hostage. (Old Eng. Law)
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.
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.

imp. & p. p. Pledged; p. pr. & vb. n. Pledging

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.

3. To secure performance of, as by a pledge. [Obs.]

   To pledge my vow, I give my hand.

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.