Careful Words

pledge (n.)

pledge (v.)

Of my merit

On thet pint you yourself may jedge;

All is, I never drink no sperit,

Nor I haint never signed no pledge.

James Russell Lowell (1819-1891): The Biglow Papers. First Series. No. vii.

The surest pledge of a deathless name

Is the silent homage of thoughts unspoken.

Henry W Longfellow (1807-1882): The Herons of Elmwood.

  We mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes, and our sacred honour.

Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826): Declaration of Independence.