vow Meaning, Definition & Usage

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
verb make a vow; promise
- He vowed never to drink alcohol again
verb dedicate to a deity by a vow
consecrate.

OE. vou, OF. vou, veu, vo, vu, F. vu, from L. votum, from vovere, to vow. Cf. Avow, Devout, Vote.

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.
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.

OE. vouen, OF. vouer, voer, F. vouer, LL. votare. See Vow, n.

imperfect & past participle Vowed ; present participle & verbal noun Vowing

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.
To assert solemnly; to asseverate.

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.