recognizance

noun | \ ri-ˈkäg-nə-zəns \ | re·cog·ni·zance

1. : an obligation entered into on the record before a court or magistrate requiring the performance of an act (as the paying of a debt) usually under penalty of a money forfeiture; also : the sum liable to forfeiture : the sum liable to forfeiture

2. : a simple personal obligation or undertaking (as to appear in court) entered into before a magistrate and having no money penalty attached released on his own recognizance