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.
Smith was released from jail on a $2,500 personal recognizance bond, according to court records. Katie Langford, The Denver Post, 25 Mar. 2025 Nelson was charged with use of explosives or incendiary devices during a felony, criminal mischief and criminal attempt to commit a Class 3 felony, and is out of jail on a personal recognizance bond. Matt Lavietes, NBC News, 8 Mar. 2025 All three were released on their own recognizance Monday. Julia Reinstein, ABC News, 27 Jan. 2025 All the defendants were released on their own recognizance. Caleb Lunetta, The Mercury News, 8 Jan. 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 1 Apr. 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

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