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pledge

pledge

7 7.5
A drink that people share to celebrate or honor someone
  • noun
  • /plɛdʒ/
  • Archaic
translation icon : brindis
  • Let's raise our glasses and make a pledge to friendship during this special occasion.

Examples

  • In many cultures, it is customary to offer a pledge before a meal to give thanks.

  • During the ceremony, everyone took a pledge to honor the memory of those who served.

  • Now raise your right hand for the pledge.

  • Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.

  • Some would say that's a pledge, to drink wine from the same cup.

  • It was my pledge party.

  • M: What does the Pledge of Allegiance mean to you?

    Academic text (1992)
  • Are we supposed to salute or say the Pledge of Allegiance?

  • My first lesson in English was to memorize the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • On Wednesday, Carrie Rose didn't raise her hand in time to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

    Fiction book (2000)

Synonyms

toast
vspledge
313 2.8

A short speech when people raise glasses to honor someone

is the ceremonial drink itself rather than the act
skoal
vspledge
1 9.9

A drink that people raise and share to wish someone good health

is used for formal ceremonial honoring not only casual celebrations

Compounds

A person who answers calls and records donations people promise to give during a fundraiser

Surface Forms

pledge singular
pledges plural

Etymology

The word pledge comes from an old French word plege meaning 'promise', and people often sealed a promise by drinking together. That's why a pledge can mean a ceremonial drink or toast to show a promise.