[plɛdʒ], (Noun)

Definitions:
- a solemn promise or undertaking
(e.g: the conference ended with a joint pledge to limit pollution)

- a thing that is given as security for the fulfilment of a contract or the payment of a debt and is liable to forfeiture in the event of failure
(e.g: he had given the object as a pledge to a creditor)

- the drinking of a person's health; a toast


Phrases:

Origin:
Middle English (denoting a person acting as surety for another): from Old French plege, from medieval Latin plebium, perhaps related to the Germanic base of plight

[plɛdʒ], (Verb)

Definitions:
- commit (a person or organization) by a solemn promise
(e.g: the government pledged itself to deal with environmental problems)

- give as security on a loan
(e.g: the creditor to whom the land is pledged)

- drink to the health of
(e.g: in his hand a sculptured goblet, as he pledged the merchant kings)


Phrases:

Origin:
Middle English (denoting a person acting as surety for another): from Old French plege, from medieval Latin plebium, perhaps related to the Germanic base of plight