Definition of: recognizance

(ri·kog′nə·zəns, -kon′ə-) noun
1. Law a An acknowledgment or obligation of record, with condition to do some particular act, as to appear and answer, or to keep the peace. b A sum of money deposited as surety for fulfilment of such act or obligation, and forfeited by its non-performance.
2. Obs. A badge or token to aid in recognition. [<OF recognoissance <reconoissant, ppr. of reconoistre <L recognoscere call to mind <re-again + cognoscere know. See COGNITION.]
—re·cog′ni·zant adjective