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plight²

(plīt)

tr.v. plight·ed, plight·ing, plights

1. To promise or bind by a solemn pledge, especially to betroth.

2. To give or pledge (one's word or oath, for example).

A solemn pledge, as of faith.

Idiom:

plight (one's) troth

1. To become engaged to marry.

2. To give one's solemn oath.

[Middle English plighten, from Old English plihtan, to endanger, put at risk, from pliht, danger, risk; see dlegh- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.]

plighter n.

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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