1. The act of binding oneself (intellectually or emotionally) to a course of action; SYN. allegiance, loyalty, dedication.
2. An engagement by contract involving financial obligation.
3. A message that makes a pledge; SYN. dedication.
4. The official act of consigning a person to a prison (or mental hospital); SYN. committal, consignment.
(Arbeitsrecht) Anstellung, Verpflichtung (bes. bei Bühnenkünstlern u. Musikern).