plight 1 (plt)
n.
A situation, especially a bad or unfortunate one. See Synonyms at predicament.
[Middle English, alteration (influenced by plight, risky promise or pledge) of plit, fold, wrinkle, situation, from Anglo-Norman, from Latin plicitum, neuter past participle of plicre, to fold; see plek- in Indo-European roots.]
plight 2 (plt)
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).
n.
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 Indo-European roots.]
plighter n.
