Hypertext Webster Gateway: "Vow"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Vow \Vow\, v. i.
To make a vow, or solemn promise.
Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that
thou shouldest vow and not pay. --Eccl. v. 5.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Vow \Vow\, n. [OE. vou, OF. vou, veu, vo, vu, F. v?u, from L.
votum, from vovere, to vow. Cf. {Avow}, {Devout}, {Vote}.]
1. A solemn promise made to God, or to some deity; an act by
which one consecrates or devotes himself, absolutely or
conditionally, wholly or in part, for a longer or shorter
time, to some act, service, or condition; a devotion of
one's possessions; as, a baptismal vow; a vow of poverty.
``Nothing . . . that may . . . stain my vow of Nazarite.''
--Milton.
I pray thee, let me go and pay my vow. --2 Sam. xv.
7.
I am combined by a sacred vow. --Shak.
2. Specifically, a promise of fidelity; a pledge of love or
affection; as, the marriage vow.
Knights of love, who never broke their vow; Firm to
their plighted faith. --Dryden.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Vow \Vow\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Vowed}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Vowing}.] [OE. vouen, OF. vouer, voer, F. vouer, LL. votare.
See {Vow}, n.]
1. To give, consecrate, or dedicate to God, or to some deity,
by a solemn promise; to devote; to promise solemnly.
``When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it.''
--Eccl. v. 4.
[Men] that vow a long and weary pilgrimage. --Shak.
2. To assert solemnly; to asseverate.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
vow
n : a solemn pledge (to oneself or to another or to a deity) to
do something or to behave in a certain manner; "they took
vows of poverty"
v 1: make a vow; promise; "He vowed never to drink alcohol again"
2: dedicate to a deity by a vow [syn: {consecrate}]
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