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.]
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." v. 4. [men] that vow a long and weary pilgrimage.
2. to assert solemnly; to asseverate.
vow
\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. v. 5.
vow
\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." i pray thee, let me go and pay my vow. xv. 7. i am combined by a sacred vow.
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.
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
1. make a vow; promise; "he vowed never to drink alcohol again"
2. dedicate to a deity by a vow [syn: consecrate]
similar words(1)