pignus

American  

[pig-nuhs] / ˈpɪg nəs /

noun

Roman and Civil Law.

plural

pignora

1. property held as security for a debt.

2. the contract containing such a pledge.

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Etymology

Origin of pignus

< Latin: literally, pledge

Example Sentences

Ex illo die, atro lapide notando, cur� vociferantes famili� singulis annis crescentis eo usque insultabant ut nunquam tam carum pignus e vinculis istis aheneis solvere possem.

From Poems of James Russell Lowell With biographical sketch by Nathan Haskell Dole by Lowell, James Russell

"Servat et Alba, Lares, et quorum lucet in aris Ignis adhuc Phrygius, nullique adspecta virorum Pallas, in abstruso pignus memorabile templo."

From Walks in Rome by Hare, Augustus J. C.

Aptius uero per utriusque pignus et sanguinem amborum negotio consuli.

From Beowulf An Introduction to the Study of the Poem with a Discussion of the Stories of Offa and Finn by Chambers, R. W.

"Nam quis," ait, "praedulce meum me pignus ademit?"

From Verses and Translations by Calverley, Charles Stuart

Among the Romans the ring was a pledge, pignus, that the betrothal contract would be fulfilled.

From One Wonderful Night A Romance of New York by Tracy, Louis