DICT.TW Dictionary Taiwan

 Re·cog·ni·zance n.  [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.
 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.
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 recognisance
      n : (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 [syn: recognizance]