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