Vow — Defs

01 n. A solemn promise made to God, or to some deity; an act by which one consecrates or devotes himself, absolutely or conditionally, wholly or …

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.
“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.

02 v. t. To give, consecrate, or dedicate to God, or to some deity, by a solemn promise; to devote; to promise solemnly.

imp. & p. p. Vowed; p. pr. & vb. n. Vowing

1.
To give, consecrate, or dedicate to God, or to some deity, by a solemn promise; to devote; to promise solemnly.
“[Men] that vow a long and weary pilgrimage.” — Shak.
2.
To assert solemnly; to asseverate.

03 v. i. To make a vow, or solemn promise.

1.
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.