recognizance

[ ri-kog-nuh-zuhns, -kon-uh- ]

noun

1. Law.
   1. a bond or obligation of record entered into before a court of record or a magistrate, binding a person to do a particular act.
   2. the sum pledged as surety on such a bond.
2. Archaic. recognition.
3. Archaic. a token; badge.

recognizance

/ rɪˈkɒɡnɪzəns /

noun

1. law
   1. a bond entered into before a court or magistrate by which a person binds himself to do a specified act, as to appear in court on a stated day, keep the peace, or pay a debt
   2. a monetary sum pledged to the performance of such an act
2. an obsolete word for recognition

Derived Forms

• reˈcognizant, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of recognizance¹

1350–1400; Middle English reconissaunce, recognisance < Old French reconuissance. See recognize, -ance

Word History and Origins

Origin of recognizance¹

C14: from Old French reconoissance , from reconoistre to recognize

Example Sentences

“After careful consideration of the risk factors outlined by California case law, the court appropriately granted Mr. Young’s release on his own recognizance,” Young’s attorney, L.A.

From Los Angeles Times

Timberlake, amid his Forget Tomorrow World Tour, was released on his own recognizance.

From Los Angeles Times

Though Teran had been released on $50,000 bond when she was initially booked in April, Ohta nixed the bail requirement and released her on her own recognizance.

From Los Angeles Times

He ordered Hemme’s release and “threatened to hold the attorney general’s office in contempt. He also scolded Bailey’s office for calling the warden and telling prison officials not to release Hemme after he ordered her to be freed in her own recognizance.”

From Slate

It is unclear how he pleaded, but Timberlake was released on his own recognizance, meaning no bail was set.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• acceptance
• admission
• appreciation
• awareness
• concession
• perception
• realization
• respect
• understanding