Added 9 October 2026
recognizance
noun
noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). More about recognizance at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
-
A form of bail; a promise made by the accused to the court that they 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.
- A token; a symbol; a pledge.
- An acknowledgment of a person or thing; an avowal; a profession; a recognition.
Origin
From Middle English reconisaunce, from Old French reconissance. Doublet of reconnaissance.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)