Vow (?), n. [OE. vou, OF. vou, veu, vo, vu, F. vu, 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.

 

© Webster 1913.


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.

 

© Webster 1913.


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.

 

© Webster 1913.

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