Hypertext Webster Gateway: "oaths"

From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)

Oath \Oath\ ([=o]th), n.; pl. {Oaths} ([=o][th]z). [OE. othe,
oth, ath, AS. [=a][eth]; akin to D. eed, OS. [=e][eth], G.
eid, Icel. ei[eth]r, Sw. ed, Dan. eed, Goth. ai[thorn]s; cf.
OIr. oeth.]
1. A solemn affirmation or declaration, made with a reverent
appeal to God for the truth of what is affirmed. ``I have
an oath in heaven'' --Shak.

An oath of secrecy for the concealing of those
[inventions] which we think fit to keep secret.
--Bacon.

2. A solemn affirmation, connected with a sacred object, or
one regarded as sacred, as the temple, the altar, the
blood of Abel, the Bible, the Koran, etc.

3. (Law) An appeal (in verification of a statement made) to a
superior sanction, in such a form as exposes the party
making the appeal to an indictment for perjury if the
statement be false.

4. A careless and blasphemous use of the name of the divine
Being, or anything divine or sacred, by way of appeal or
as a profane exclamation or ejaculation; an expression of
profane swearing. ``A terrible oath'' --Shak.


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