Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Recognizance \Re*cog"ni*zance\, n. [F. reconnaissance, OF.
   recognoissance, fr. recognoissant, p. pr. of recognoistre to
   recognize, F. reconna[^i]tre, 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.

   Note: 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.

Source : WordNet®

recognisance
     n : (law) a security entered into before a court with a
         condition to perform some act required by law; on failure
         to perform that act a sum is forfeited [syn: {recognizance}]