"Pledge" is a word in LAW AND LEGAL, ENGLISH

In the law of bailment. A ballment of goods to a creditor as security for some debt or engagement. A bailment br delivery of goods by a debtor to hls cred-itor, to be kept till the debt be dlscharged. Story, Bailm. | 7; Clv. Code La. art 3133,« 2 Kent, Comm. 577; Stearns v. Marsh, 4 Denlo (N. ¥.) 229, 47 Am. Dec. 248; Sheridan v. Presas, 18 Mlsc. Rep.-180, 41 N. Y. Supp. 451; Bank of Rochester v. Jones, 4 N.; Yi 507, 55 Am. Dec. 290; Eastman v. Avery, 23 Me. 250; Belden v. Perkins, 78 111. 452; wilcox v. Jackson, 7 Colo. 521; 4 Pac. 966; Glou-cester Bank v. worcester, IO Pick. ‘(Mass.)* 531; Llllenthal v. Ballou, 125 Gal.183, 5? Pac. 897

A hypothecation without transfer of possession.

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.

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.

To deposit, as a chattel, in pledge or pawn; to leave in
possession of another as security; as, to pledge one's watch.

A person who undertook, or became responsible, for another;
a bail; a surety; a hostage.

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.

To give or pass as a security; to guarantee; to engage; to
plight; as, to pledge one's word and honor.

To secure performance of, as by a pledge.

A sentiment to which assent is given by drinking one's
health; a toast; a health.

To bind or engage by promise or declaration; to engage
solemnly; as, to pledge one's self.

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.