noun

1. the condition of being given or held as security for a contract, payment, etc. a thing held in pledge
2. a person or thing given or held as security for the performance of a contract, as a guarantee of faith, etc.; something pawned; hostage
3. a token or earnest
4. a drinking to someone's health to express good will or allegiance; toast
5. a promise or agreement
6. something promised, esp. money to be contributed in regular payments
7. ☆ a person undergoing a trial period before formal initiation into a fraternity, sorority, etc.

Etymology: ME plegge < OFr pleige < ML plegium < plevium, security, warranty, infl. by Frank *pligi, liability; akin to OS plegan, to warrant

transitive verb pledged, pledging pledg′·ing

1. to present as security or guarantee, esp. for the repayment of a loan; pawn
2. to drink a toast to
3. to bind by a promise or agreement
4. to promise to give to pledge allegiance, pledge money to a fund
5. ☆
   1. to accept tentative membership in (a fraternity, etc.)
   2. to accept as a pledge ()