RECOGNIZANCES

Noun

recognizances

plural of recognizance

Source: Wiktionary


RECOGNIZANCE

Re*cog"ni*zance, n. Etym: [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.] [Written also recognisance.]

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.

Note: 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.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

13 May 2025

DAZED

(adjective) in a state of mental numbness especially as resulting from shock; “he had a dazed expression on his face”; “lay semiconscious, stunned (or stupefied) by the blow”; “was stupid from fatigue”


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