Definitions for: 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] make a vow; promise; "He vowed never to drink alcohol again"
[v] dedicate to a deity by a vow



Webster (1913) Definition: 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.


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.


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.

Synonyms: consecrate

See Also: affiance, assurance, betroth, commit, dedicate, devote, engage, give, pledge, pledge, plight, profess, swear

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