Recognizance

[rɪ'kɒ(g)nɪz(ə)ns] or [rɪ'kɑgnɪzəns]

Definition

(noun.) (law) a security entered into before a court with a condition to perform some act required by law; on failure to perform that act a sum is forfeited.

Editor: Sidney--From WordNet

Definition

(n.) 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.

(n.) The verdict of a jury impaneled upon assize.

(n.) A token; a symbol; a pledge; a badge.

(n.) Acknowledgment of a person or thing; avowal; profession; recognition.

Typed by Gordon