Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of 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.'' --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.
\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.