Pledge, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Pledged p. pr. & vb. n. Pledging.]
  1. To deposit, as a chattel, in pledge or pawn; to leave in possession of another as security; as, to pledge one's watch.
  2. To give or pass as a security; to guarantee; to engage; to plight; as, to pledge one's word and honor.
     We mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.   --The Declaration of Independence.
  3. To secure performance of, as by a pledge. [Obs.]
     To pledge my vow, I give my hand.   --Shak.
  4. To bind or engage by promise or declaration; to engage solemnly; as, to pledge one's self.
  5. To invite another to drink, by drinking of the cup first, and then handing it to him, as a pledge of good will; hence, to drink the health of; to toast.
     Pledge me, my friend, and drink till thou be'st wise.   --Cowley.
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  pledged
       adj 1: bound by or as if by an oath; "according to an early
              tradition became his sworn brother"; "sworn enemies"
              [syn: sworn]
       2: pledged to be married; "the engaged couple" [syn: affianced,
           bespoken, betrothed, engaged]