vow

Noun · Verb
Synonyms: consecrate

WordNet 3.0

Noun (1)

  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”

Verb (2)

  1. make a vow; promise“He vowed never to drink alcohol again”
  2. dedicate to a deity by a vowSynonyms: consecrate
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

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]

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.[1913 Webster]
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]

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