(Plegius), in common law, a surety or gage, either real or personal, which the plaintiff or defendant is to find for his prosecuting the suit.
The word is sometimes also used for FRANK Pledge, which see.
To PLEDGE, in drinking, denotes to warrant, or be surety to one, that he shall receive no harm while he is taking his draught. The phrase is referred by antiquaries to the practice of the Danes heretofore in England, who frequently used to stab or cut the throats of the natives while they were drinking.
PLEDGES of Goods for money. See PAWN.