Recognizance
Recognizance (re*kog"ni*zans o re*kon"i-) , noun
[French reconnaissance, Old French recognoissance, from recognoissant, present participle of recognoistre to recognize, French reconnaître, from Latin recognoscere; pref. re- re- + cognoscere to know. See Cognizance, Know, and compare Recognize, Reconnoissance.]
1.
(a) (Law) An obligation of record entered into before some court of record or magistrate duly authorized, with condition to do some particular act, as to appear at the same or some other court, to keep the peace, or pay a debt. A recognizance differs from a bond, being witnessed by the record only, and not by the party's seal.
(b)
(Law) The verdict of a jury impaneled upon assize. — Cowell
Among lawyers the g in this and the related words (except recognize) is usually silent.
2.
A token; a symbol; a pledge; a badge.
That recognizance and pledge of love
Which I first gave her.
3.
Acknowledgment of a person or thing; avowal; profession; recognition.