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]