recognizance

[ ri-kog-nuh-zuhns, -kon-uh- ]

noun

1. Law.
   1. a bond or obligation of record entered into before a court of record or a magistrate, binding a person to do a particular act.
   2. the sum pledged as surety on such a bond.
2. Archaic. recognition.
3. Archaic. a token; badge.

recognizance

/ rɪˈkɒɡnɪzəns /

noun

1. law
   1. a bond entered into before a court or magistrate by which a person binds himself to do a specified act, as to appear in court on a stated day, keep the peace, or pay a debt
   2. a monetary sum pledged to the performance of such an act
2. See recognition
   an obsolete word for recognition

Derived Forms

• reˈcognizant, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of recognizance¹

1350–1400; Middle English reconissaunce, recognisance < Old French reconuissance. See recognize, -ance

Word History and Origins

Origin of recognizance¹

C14: from Old French reconoissance , from reconoistre to recognize

Example Sentences

His attorney, James Knox, did not respond to a request for comment, but the clerk for the Rotterdam Town Court said McDermott pleaded not guilty and was released on his own recognizance.

From Washington Post

During his appearance in court Wednesday, he said he is seeking an attorney and was released on personal recognizance.

From Washington Post

After appearing via teleconference in federal court on Thursday, Chapman was reportedly released on his own recognizance.

From Time

The records show he was released on personal recognizance with a requirement that he report regularly to the court’s Pre-Trial Services Agency, and a stay-away order was issued by the judge.

From Washington Blade

Keller, 38, was released last month on a personal recognizance bond and is in Colorado Springs.

From Washington Post

He was released within the hour without a bond on his own recognizance.

From The Daily Beast

Williams was released on his own recognizance over the weekend and is expected back before a judge on Feb. 9, 2015.

From The Daily Beast

Addison spent four nights in jail, she told me on FaceTime during a period when she was out on her own recognizance.

From The Daily Beast

Luchkiw was released on her own recognizance, as would have normally been the case in such a bust.

From The Daily Beast

She was released on her recognizance and is now back on the streets.

From The Daily Beast

He held it, but it was without pressure; without recognizance of the delight with which he once grasped it.

From Project Gutenberg

"A writ of recognizance," the fat man said, handing his paper to the captain.

From Project Gutenberg

Amos Jolliff discharged from his recognizance to attend as a witness.

From Project Gutenberg

While here we one afternoon received orders to prepare for a recognizance.

From Project Gutenberg

Never was there a bondsman offered more unfamiliar with the forms and ceremonies necessary to the record of the recognizance.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• acceptance
• admission
• appreciation
• awareness
• concession
• perception
• realization
• respect
• understanding