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. an obsolete word for recognition

Other Word Forms

• recognizant 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

A judge claimed he had ignored warnings, and Cole was released on his own recognizance.

From Los Angeles Times

Braun was booked in Carroll County Jail and released on his own recognizance, according to TMZ.

From Los Angeles Times

Department of Justice, which reported in 2009 that the vast majority of defendants, whether out on bail or released on their own recognizance, show up for court dates.

From Los Angeles Times

Boyadzhyan was booked into a county jail shortly after 9 p.m. and released on his own recognizance about 5:30 a.m.

From Los Angeles Times

He appeared in court Wednesday and was released on his own recognizance, with his next court appearance scheduled for Aug. 21.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• agreement 
• assurance 
• certificate 
• collateral 
• contract 
• deposit 
• insurance 
• security 
• warranty