VOW

vow

(noun) 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”

vow

(verb) make a vow; promise; “He vowed never to drink alcohol again”

vow, consecrate

(verb) dedicate to a deity by a vow

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

vow (plural vows)

A solemn promise to perform some act, or behave in a specified manner, especially a promise to live and act in accordance with the rules of a religious order.

A declaration or assertion.

(obsolete) A votive offering.

Usage notes

• One normally makes or takes a vow, or simply vows (see below).

• Commonly mentioned vows include those of silence, obedience, poverty, chastity, and celibacy.

• 'to keep/pay/fulfill a vow' = to honor a vow

• 'to break a vow' = to dishonor a vow

Verb

vow (third-person singular simple present vows, present participle vowing, simple past and past participle vowed)

(ambitransitive) To make a vow; to promise.

(transitive) To make a vow regarding (something).

To declare publicly that one has made a vow, usually to show one's determination or to announce an act of retaliation.

Anagrams

• WOV, WVO

Source: Wiktionary

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, 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, v. i.

Definition: 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.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition