Chapter Pleasureful to Pleomorphism of P by Webster's Dictionary (1913 Edition)

5. A promise or agreement by which one binds one's self to do, or to refrain from doing, something; especially, a solemn promise in writing to refrain from using intoxicating liquors or the like; as, to sign the pledge; the mayor had made no pledges.

6. A sentiment to which assent is given by drinking one's health; a toast; a health.

Dead pledge. [A translation of LL. mortuum vadium.] (Law) A mortgage. See Mortgage. — Living pledge. [A translation of LL. vivum vadium.] (Law) The conveyance of an estate to another for money borrowed, to be held by him until the debt is paid out of the rents and profits. — To hold in pledge, to keep as security. — To put in pledge, to pawn; to give as security.

Syn. — See Earnest.

Pledge
(Pledge), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Pledged ; p. pr. & vb. n. Pledging.] [Cf. OF. pleiger to give security. See Pledge, n.]

1. To deposit, as a chattel, in pledge or pawn; to leave in possession of another as security; as, to pledge one's watch.

2. To give or pass as a security; to guarantee; to engage; to plight; as, to pledge one's word and honor.

We mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor.

The Declaration of Independence.

3. To secure performance of, as by a pledge. [Obs.]

To pledge my vow, I give my hand.

Shak.

4. To bind or engage by promise or declaration; to engage solemnly; as, to pledge one's self.

5. To invite another to drink, by drinking of the cup first, and then handing it to him, as a pledge of good will; hence, to drink the health of; to toast.

Pledge me, my friend, and drink till thou be'st wise.

Cowley.

Pledgee
(Pledg*ee") n. The one to whom a pledge is given, or to whom property pledged is delivered.

Pledgeless
(Pledge"less) a. Having no pledge.

Pledgeor
(Pledge*or", Pledg*or") n. (Law) One who pledges, or delivers anything in pledge; a pledger; — opposed to pledgee.

This word analogically requires the e after g, but the spelling pledgor is perhaps commoner.

Pledger
(Pledg"er) n. One who pledges.

Pledgery
(Pledg"er*y) n. [Cf. OF. pleigerie.] A pledging; suretyship. [Obs.]

Pledget
(Pledg"et) n. [Prov. E., a small plug.]

1. A small plug. [Prov. End.]

2. (Naut.) A string of oakum used in calking.

3. (Med.) A compress, or small flat tent of lint, laid over a wound, ulcer, or the like, to exclude air, retain dressings, or absorb the matter discharged.