recognizance Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun (law) a security entered into before a court with a condition to perform some act required by law; on failure to perform that act a sum is forfeited
    recognisance.

WordNet

Re*cog"ni*zance noun
Etymology
F. reconnaissance, OF. recognoissance, fr. recognoissant, p. pr. of recognoistre to recognize, F. reconnaître, fr. L. recognoscere; pref. re- re- + cognoscere to know. See Cognizance, Know, and cf. Recognize, Reconnoissance.
Definitions
  1. (Law) (a) An obligation of record entered into before some court of record or magistrate duly authorized, with condition to do some particular act, as to appear at the same or some other court, to keep the peace, or pay a debt. A recognizance differs from a bond, being witnessed by the record only, and not by the party's seal. (b) The verdict of a jury impaneled upon assize. Cowell. ✍ Among lawyers the g in this and the related words (except recognize) is usually silent.
  2. A token; a symbol; a pledge; a badge.
    That recognizance and pledge of love Which I first gave her. Shak.
  3. Acknowledgment of a person or thing; avowal; profession; recognition.

Webster 1913