recognizance

noun

re·​cog·​ni·​zance ri-ˈkäg-nə-zən(t)s How to pronounce recognizance (audio)
-ˈkä-nə-
1
a
: an obligation of record entered into before a court or magistrate requiring the performance of an act (such as appearance in court) usually under penalty of a money forfeiture
released on his own recognizance
b
: the sum liable to forfeiture upon such an obligation
2
archaic : token, pledge

Examples of recognizance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Court records show Retton was released after posting a personal recognizance bond of $1,500. Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2025 She was released from jail after posting a personal recognizance bond of $1,500. Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 11 June 2025 According to Superior Court of California, Yolo County court records reviewed by PEOPLE, Ajay Dev, 58, who had 76 convictions, was released on Friday, May 23, on his own recognizance (OR). Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 29 May 2025 As of July 2024, the man remained released on his personal recognizance. Edward Segarra, USA Today, 8 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for recognizance

Word History

Etymology

Middle English recognissance, alteration of reconissaunce, from Anglo-French, from reconoistre to recognize

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of recognizance was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Recognizance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recognizance. Accessed 27 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

recognizance

noun
re·​cog·​ni·​zance ri-ˈkäg-nə-zən(t)s How to pronounce recognizance (audio)
-ˈkän-ə-
: a recorded legal promise to do something (as to appear in court)

Legal Definition

recognizance

noun
re·​cog·​ni·​zance ri-ˈkäg-nə-zəns How to pronounce recognizance (audio)
1
: an obligation entered into on the record before a court or magistrate requiring the performance of an act (as the paying of a debt) usually under penalty of a money forfeiture
also : the sum liable to forfeiture
2
: a simple personal obligation or undertaking (as to appear in court) entered into before a magistrate and having no money penalty attached
released on his own recognizance
Etymology

Anglo-French recognisance, reconisance, literally, recognition, from Old French reconoisance, from reconoistre to recognize, from Latin recognoscere

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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