Webster's 1913 (original) (raw)

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.

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.