Category:Vow

Vow, n. Etym: [oe. vou, of. vou, veu, vo, vu, f. v, 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 Vow, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Vowed; p. pr. & vb. n. Vowing.] Etym: [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 Vow, v. i.

Defn: 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.