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[syn: vow, consecrate]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Vow \Vow\, v. i.
To make a vow, or solemn promise.
[1913 Webster]
Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that
thou shouldest vow and not pay. --Eccl. v. 5.
[1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Vow \Vow\, n. [OE. vou, OF. vou, veu, vo, vu, F. v?u, from L.
votum, from vovere, to vow. Cf. Avow, Devout, Vote.]
[1913 Webster]
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.
[1913 Webster]
I pray thee, let me go and pay my vow. --2 Sam. xv.
7.
[1913 Webster]
I am combined by a sacred vow. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
2. Specifically, a promise of fidelity; a pledge of love or
affection; as, the marriage vow.
[1913 Webster]
Knights of love, who never broke their vow;
Firm to their plighted faith. --Dryden.
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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
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.]
[1913 Webster]
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.
[1913 Webster]
[Men] that vow a long and weary pilgrimage. --Shak.
[1913 Webster]
2. To assert solemnly; to asseverate.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
vow
n 1: 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: vow, consecrate]