Definition of "recognizance" [re•cog•ni•zance]

• Law An obligation of record that is entered into before a court or magistrate, containing a condition to perform a particular act, such as making a court appearance. (noun)
• Law A sum of money pledged to assure the performance of such an act. (noun)
• A recognition. (noun)
• Archaic A pledge; a token. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "When was the last time you used the word recognizance in casual conversation?"
• ""recognizance" is one of those words that always looks wrong."
• "A recognizance is a set of conditions they must adhere to while out on surety."