ETYM Old Eng. othe, oth, ath, as. âth; akin to Dutch eed, os. ęth, German eid, Icel. eithr, Swed. ed, Dan. eed, Goth. aiths; cf. OIr. oeth.
Swearing to the truth of a statement; to lie under oath is to become subject to prosecution for perjury; SYN. vow, swearing.
Solemn promise to tell the truth or perform some duty, combined with a declaration naming a deity or something held sacred. In the us witnesses raise their right hand in taking the oath.
ETYM Old Eng. vou, Old Fren. vou, veu, vo, vu, French veu, from Latin votum, from vovere, to vow. Related to Avow, Devout, Vote.
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1. A solemn promise; 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.
2. Specifically, a promise of fidelity; a pledge of love or affection.