recognizance

n. [ 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ Among lawyers the g in this and the related words (except recognize) is usually silent. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A token; a symbol; a pledge; a badge. [ 1913 Webster ]

That recognizance and pledge of love
Which I first gave her. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Acknowledgment of a person or thing; avowal; profession; recognition. [ 1913 Webster ]