GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Found 3 definitions

1.       
   Vow , n. [OE. vou, OF. vou, veu, vo, vu, F. vu, from L. votum, from vovere, to vow. Cf. Avow, Devout, Vote.]
   1913 Webster
   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.
   
   1913 Webster
   I pray thee, let me go and pay my vow.
   2 Sam. xv. 7.
   
   1913 Webster
   I am combined by a sacred vow.
   Shak.
   
   1913 Webster
   Specifically, a promise of fidelity; a pledge of love or affection; as, the marriage vow.
   1913 Webster
   Knights of love, who never broke their vow;
   Firm to their plighted faith.
   Dryden.
   
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2.       
   Vow , v. t. [imp. & p. p. Vowed ; p. pr. & vb. n. Vowing.] [OE. vouen, OF. vouer, voer, F. vouer, LL. votare. See Vow, n.]
   1913 Webster
   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.
   
   1913 Webster
   [Men] that vow a long and weary pilgrimage.
   Shak.
   
   1913 Webster
   To assert solemnly; to asseverate.
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3.       
   Vow, v. i. To make a vow, or solemn promise.
   1913 Webster
   Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.
   Eccl. v. 5.
   
   1913 Webster