pledge (subs.) Copy link Outline I. Something put in pawnII. A security for something1. pignus2. arrha or arra, ae, f.; arrhăbo, ōnis, m. (strictly, AN EARNEST, q. v.III. A solemn promise • pledge (subs.): I. Something put in pawn: pignus, ŏris and ĕris, n.: Caes.: Dig.: v. pawn, mortgage. II. A security for something: 1. pignus: to give a great p. to any one that ..., magnum p. dare alicui (foll. by acc. and inf.), Cic. Ph. 1, 2, 4: he offered his hand as a p. of reconciliation, dextram reconciliatae gratiae p. obtulit, Curt. 6, 7, extr.: esp. a p. of love; denoting children or other near relatives, Ov. M. 3, 134 (in apposition with natos natasque): Tac. Ger. 7 (absol., in proximo pignora = liberi, conjuges, etc.). 2. arrha or arra, ae, f.; arrhăbo, ōnis, m. (strictly, AN EARNEST, q. v.: also in gen. sense): Ter. Heaut. 3, 3, 42 (v. Parry, ad l.). III. A solemn promise: Phr.: to take a p., obligare fidem suam, verbis conceptis sese obligare or obstringere: v. to pledge.