gage
/ɡaʒ/
The French word for a guarantee or security deposit is gage.
gage refers to an object or item deposited to serve as a guarantee that a promise or an obligation will be fulfilled.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡaʒ/
Did you know?
- In modern French childhood games, a gage is a silly forfeit or a dare that a loser must perform as a penalty.
- In older French texts, a gage could specifically refer to a hostage taken to ensure the fulfillment of a treaty.
- Historically, a knight would throw down his glove as a gage to challenge an opponent to a duel, signifying his commitment to the fight.
Examples in context
- Je dois fournir un gage pour obtenir ce prêt.I have to provide a security deposit to obtain this loan.
- J'ai donné ma montre en guise de gage.I gave my watch as a pledge.
- Il a laissé son alliance en gage.He left his wedding ring as a guarantee.
- L'objet sert de gage pour le prêt.The object serves as a guarantee for the loan.
- Elle a donné un bijou en gage.She gave a piece of jewelry as a pledge.
Example conversation
Nathan is asking Léa for a guarantee for a small loan.
- LéaPeux-tu me prêter cet appareil ?Can you lend me this device?
- NathanD'accord, mais je veux un gage.Okay, but I want a guarantee.
- LéaJe te donne ma montre en gage.I'll give you my watch as a pledge.
- NathanC'est parfait, merci Léa.That is perfect, thanks Léa.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry gage, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
