Re*cog"ni*zance (r&esl;*k&obreve;g"n&ibreve;*zans
or r&esl;*k&obreve;n"&ibreve;-), n. [F.
reconnaissance, OF. recognoissance, fr.
recognoissant, p. pr. of recognoistre to recognize, F.
reconnaître, fr. L. recognoscere; pref. re-
re- + cognoscere to know. See Cognizance, Know,
and cf. Recognize, Reconnoissance.] [Written also
recognisance.] 1. (Law)
(a) An obligation of record entered into before
some court of record or magistrate duly authorized, with condition to
do some particular act, as to appear at the same or some other court,
to keep the peace, or pay a debt. A recognizance differs from a
bond, being witnessed by the record only, and not by the
party's seal. (b) The verdict of a jury
impaneled upon assize. Cowell.
&fist; Among lawyers the g in this and the related words
(except recognize) is usually silent.
2. A token; a symbol; a pledge; a
badge.
That recognizance and pledge of love
Which I first gave her.
Shak.
3. Acknowledgment of a person or thing;
avowal; profession; recognition.
