In law, if someone who is due to stand trial is released on their own recognizance, they promise to return to the court at a particular time.
[US]
Emery was released on his own recognizance and will make a court appearance nextweek.
recognizance in British English
or recognisance (rɪˈkɒɡnɪzəns)
noun
1. law
a.
a bond entered into before a court or magistrate by which a person binds himself or herself to do a specified act, as to appear in court on a stated day,keep the peace, or pay a debt
b.
a monetary sum pledged to the performance of such an act
2. an obsolete word for recognition
Derived forms
recognizant (reˈcognizant) or recognisant (reˈcognisant)
adjective
Word origin
C14: from Old French reconoissance, from reconoistre to recognize
recognizance in American English
(rɪˈkɑgnɪzəns; rɪˈkɑnɪzəns)
noun
1. Law
a.
an obligation of record entered into before a court or magistrate, binding a person to do or not do something, be in court at a certain time, etc.
b.
a sum of money pledged and subject to forfeit if this obligation is not fulfilled
2. Archaic
recognition
3. Obsolete
a symbol, token, or badge
Word origin
ME reconissance < OFr reconaissance < reconnoisant, prp. of reconoistre < L recognoscere, to recall to mind < re-, again + cognoscere, to know: see cognition
Examples of 'recognizance' in a sentence
recognizance
Cartwright debriefed her the following morning, then released her on her own recognizance, pending further enquiries.
Terman, Douglas CORMORANT (1991)
In the meantime, thanks to the Bail Reform Act, they were freed on their own recognizance and told to return a month later for the hearing.
Wood, Ted FOOLS GOLD (1991)
He asked that Van Fleet be released on his own recognizance.