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.

synonym: recognisance.

Roget 771: security; guaranty, guarantee; gage, warranty, bond, tie, pledge, plight, mortgage, collateral, debenture, hypothecation, bill of sale, lien, pawn, pignoration^†; real security; vadium^†.    stake, deposit, earnest, handsel, caution.    promissory note; bill, bill of exchange; I.   O.U.; personal security, covenant, specialty; parole etc. (promise) 768.    acceptance, indorsement^†, signature, execution, stamp, seal.    sponsor, cosponsor, sponsion^†, sponsorship; surety, bail; mainpernor^†, hostage; godchild, godfather, godmother.    recognizance; deed of indemnity, covenant of indemnity.    authentication, verification, warrant, certificate, voucher, docket, doquet^†; record etc. 551; probate, attested copy.    receipt; acquittance, quittance; discharge, release.    muniment^†, title deed, instrument; deed, deed poll; assurance, indenture; charter etc. (compact) 769; charter poll; paper, parchment, settlement, will, testament, last will and testament, codicil.    ... show more

Dutch: herkenning