noun
recognizance
noun
1
A legal promise made to a court that a person will appear when required and behave lawfully, often used as a condition of release.
"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.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
released on own recognizance
recognizance bond
Word Forms
recognizances plural
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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."