recognizance

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun (law) a security entered into before a court with a condition to perform some act required by law; on failure to perform that act a sum is forfeited

From Middle English reconisaunce, from Old French reconissance. Doublet of reconnaissance.

Mr. Chase was released on his own recognizance. — Terminal Compromise, Winn Schwartau
On October 23 they appeared before the Court of Queen’s Bench, and were continued on their recognizances. — The Journal to Stella, Jonathan Swift
This fellow might be in’s time a great buyer of land, with his statutes, his recognizances, his fines, his double vouchers, his recoveries. — Hamlet, William Shakespeare

recognisance

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