Dictionary entry

Plight (5)

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Plight, n. [OE. pliht danger, engagement, AS. pliht danger, fr. pleón to risk; akin to D. plicht duty, G. pflicht, Dan. pligt. √28. Cf. Play.] 1. That which is exposed to risk; that which is plighted or pledged; security; a gage; a pledge. “That lord whose hand must take my plight.” Shak.

2. [Perh. the same word as plight a pledge, but at least influenced by OF. plite, pliste, ploit, ploi, a condition, state; cf. E. plight to fold, and F. pli a fold, habit, plier to fold, E. ply.] Condition; state; — risk, or exposure to danger, often being implied; as, a luckless plight. “Your plight is pitied.” Shak.

To bring our craft all in another plightChaucer.