recognizance
Recognizance (noun) means a legal promise made to a court that a person will appear when required and behave lawfully, often used as a condition of release. Example: “The judge released him on his own recognizance pending trial.”
How to use recognizance
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA formal promise to a court to show up and behave, often used instead of bail.
Word forms
recognizances plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The judge released him on his own _____ pending trial.
Etymology
From Old French reconissance — a doublet (a word sharing the same root but taking a different path) of "reconnaissance."
Synonyms
View more →Rhymes for recognizance
See all rhymes for recognizance →Frequently asked questions
What does “recognizance” mean?
The word “recognizance” means a legal promise made to a court that a person will appear when required and behave lawfully, often used as a condition of release. In plain terms, a formal promise to a court to show up and behave, often used instead of bail.
How do you use “recognizance” in a sentence?
Here is “recognizance” used in a sentence: “The judge released him on his own recognizance pending trial.”
What part of speech is “recognizance”?
“Recognizance” is a noun.
Where does the word “recognizance” come from?
The word “recognizance” comes from Old French. From Old French reconissance — a doublet (a word sharing the same root but taking a different path) of "reconnaissance.".