Formal commitments, appointments, or agreements; also refers to military encounters or marriage promises.
From French 'engagement', from 'engager' meaning 'to pledge, bind'. From 'en-' (in) + 'gage' (pledge, security). Developed multiple senses: military encounters, social obligations, and betrothal commitments.
Engagement beautifully captures the idea of being 'bound in' - whether you're engaged to be married, engaged in battle, or engaged for a dinner party, you're pledging a piece of yourself to that commitment. The military sense arose because battles 'engage' opposing forces in binding conflict, while social engagements 'bind' your time and attention.
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