pledge

pledge n

Late ME < OFr < L. plivium < plevīre, warrant, assure, undertake for, engage.

1. Property; pawn; object given to a creditor to insure repayment of a debt; [fig.] life; mortal existence; right to take away life given to Death for the loan of time.

pledge [-s] v

Late ME plege or OFr plegier, to guarantee, bail.

1. Promise; deposit in pawn; offer as payment; present as collateral to secure a loan.
2. Toast; drink to the health of; demonstrate fidelity by proposing a toast in honor of.