term:

Undertaking

undertaking n

1 : a promise or pledge esp. required by law
2 : something (as cash or a written promise) deposited or given as security esp. in a court NOTE: Undertakings are often required of one party during property actions (as for attachment) in order to compensate the other party should the court's action (as in attaching the property) be found unjustified later.

Source: Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law ©1996. Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.