GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English
last match results
Found 2 definitions
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Swear , v. i. [imp. Swore , formerly Sware ; p. p. Sworn ; p. pr. & vb. n. Swearing.] [OE. swerien, AS. swerian; akin to D. zweren, OS. swerian, OHG. swerien, G. schwören, Icel. sverja, Sw. svärja, Dan. svaerge, Icel. & Sw. svara to answer, Dan. svare, Dan. & Sw. svar an answer, Goth. swaran to swear, and perhaps to E. swarm. √177. Cf. Answer.]
- To affirm or utter a solemn declaration, with an appeal to God for the truth of what is affirmed; to make a promise, threat, or resolve on oath; also, to affirm solemnly by some sacred object, or one regarded as sacred, as the Bible, the Koran, etc.1913 Webster
Ye shall swear by my name falsely.
Lev. xix. 12.1913 WebsterI swear by all the Roman gods.
Shak.1913 Webster - (Law) To give evidence on oath; as, to swear to the truth of a statement; he swore against the prisoner.1913 Webster
- To make an appeal to God in an irreverant manner; to use the name of God or sacred things profanely; to call upon God in imprecation; to curse.1913 Webster
[I] swore little; diced not above seven times a week.
Shak.1913 WebsterTo swear by, to place great confidence in a person or thing; to trust implicitly as an authority. “I simply meant to ask if you are one of those who swear by Lord Verulam.” Miss Edgeworth. -- To swear off, to make a solemn vow, or a serious resolution, to abstain from something; as, to swear off smoking. [Slang]
1913 Webster
- To affirm or utter a solemn declaration, with an appeal to God for the truth of what is affirmed; to make a promise, threat, or resolve on oath; also, to affirm solemnly by some sacred object, or one regarded as sacred, as the Bible, the Koran, etc.
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