• Recognizance

    Full definition of recognizance

    Noun

    recognizance

    (plural recognizances)
    1. (legal) a form of bail; a promise made by the accused to the court that he/she will attend all required judicial proceedings and will not engage in further illegal activity or other prohibited conduct as set by the court.The defendant was released on his own recognizance.
    2. A token; a symbol; a pledge.
      • 1603, , by William ShakespeareThat recognizance and pledge of love
        Which I first gave her.
    3. acknowledgment of a person or thing; avowal; profession; recognition

    Related terms

    © Wiktionary