Gage: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from Old French 'gage', meaning a pledge or a token.
• It has roots in the Latin word 'vadium', which also means a pledge or security.
• In medieval times, a 'gage' often referred to a glove or a sword given as a token of promise.

Literature

• In Shakespeare's plays, characters often used forms of trust and promise, similar to a 'gage', to navigate relationships.
• Various authors depict 'gage' as a form of loyalty, showcasing different interpretations of commitment throughout literature.
• Modern poetry sometimes reflects on the symbolic meaning of gages, representing both risk and reward in love and life.

Psychology

• 'Gage' as a concept can reflect trust in relationships—a form of social contract where people rely on each other’s promises.
• Using a 'gage' can create accountability, prompting individuals to reflect on their commitments and actions.
• The importance of trust in psychological safety often relates back to the idea of 'gaging' expectations and fulfilling them.

Pop Culture

• In movies, characters often give a 'gage' in moments of high stakes, symbolizing their intent to follow through, such as in heist films.
• The concept of a 'gage' is sometimes transformed into modern pop songs focusing on love and promises.
• Video games may use 'gages' as items players exchange or invoke when making major choices, representing commitment.