For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more
of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
--Gal. iii.
18.
2. (Law) An engagement by one person to another, either in
words or in writing, but properly not under seal, for the
performance or nonperformance of some particular thing.
The word promise is used to denote the mere engagement of
a person, without regard to the consideration for it, or
the corresponding duty of the party to whom it is made.
--Chitty. Parsons. Burrill.
3. That which causes hope, expectation, or assurance;
especially, that which affords expectation of future
distinction; as, a youth of great promise. --Shak.
My native country was full of youthful promise. --W.
Irving.
4. Bestowal, fulfillment, or grant of what is promised.
He . . . commanded them that they should not depart
from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the
Father. --Acts i. 4.
2. To afford reason to expect; to cause hope or assurance of;
as, the clouds promise rain. --Milton.
3. To make declaration of or give assurance of, as some
benefit to be conferred; to pledge or engage to bestow;
as, the proprietors promised large tracts of land; the
city promised a reward.
{Promised land}. See {Land of promise}, under {Land}.
{To promise one's self}.
(a) To resolve; to determine; to vow.
(b) To be assured; to have strong confidence.
I dare promise myself you will attest the truth
of all I have advanced. --Rambler.
2. To afford hopes or expectation; to give ground to expect
good; rarely, to give reason to expect evil.
Will not the ladies be afeard of the lion? I fear
it, I promise you. --Shak.