vown.
/vaʊ/, U.S. /vaʊ/ 1. † d. to take in vow, to make a vow. Obsolete. rare.
a. A solemn promise made to God, or to any deity or saint, to perform some act, or make some gift or sacrifice, in return for some special favour; more generally, a solemn engagement, undertaking, or resolve, to achieve something or to act in a certain way.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > worship > vow > [noun]
behotec1000
vow1297
avow1330
the mind > language > speech > agreement > promise > [noun] > vow or oath
hesta1200
vow1297
professionc1300
sermenta1325
avow1330
sacrament1430
votec1540
troth-plight1570
upon my Sam1939
advower-
1297 R. Gloucester's Chron. (Rolls) 9823 Vor þoru a vowe of him þe sone bigan þat strif.
1303 R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne 2888 He hys owne doghtyr slowe For a foly and a wykked vowe.
c1380 J. Wyclif Wks. (1880) 66 To paie þe pope þe first froytys,..for assoilyngis of wowes, & many feyned iapis.
c1400 (?c1380) Patience l. 239 Þer was louyng on lofte..on Moyses wyse, With sacrafyse vp-set, & solempne vowes.
c1460 (a1449) J. Lydgate Legend St. Austin (Harl. 2255) l. 33 in Minor Poems (1911) i. 194 This was his vowh, with gret humylite, Lik his entent in ful pleyn language.
1502 tr. Ordynarye of Crysten Men (de Worde) iv. vii. sig. t.i To haue knowlege of woues of testamentes, of cases of symony, useryes, and of other dyffycultes.
?1550 J. Bale Apol. agaynste Papyst Pref. 12 Such are the rashe vowes of the ydolatrouse and mockynge papystes.
1563 tr. Musculus' Common-pl. 508 In a foule vow, alter thy purpose. Do not that which thou haste vnaduisedly vowed.
1617 F. Moryson Itinerary i. 151 The wals are round about hung with Images of men,..which were offered to our Lady upon vow.
a1644 F. Quarles Solomons Recantation (1645) v. 66 Make hast to pay what thy vow'd Promise owes; Destruction dwels in unperformed Vowes.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics iv, in tr. Virgil Wks. 146 With Vows and suppliant Pray'rs their Pow'rs appease. View more context for this quotation
1757 tr. J. G. Keyssler Trav. IV. 18 It was designed for St. Joseph, in consequence of a vow made by that emperor in the year 1702, on the happy return of his son Joseph..from Landau.
1822 W. Wordsworth Eccl. Sonn. iii. xxi. 13 Shame if the consecrated Vow be found An idle form, the Word an empty sound.
1866 R. W. Dale Disc. Special Occasions 342 Those vows cannot now be cancelled or recalled.
1869 W. E. H. Lecky Hist. European Morals I. 144 The earliest form in which the duty of veracity is enforced is probably the observance of vows.
b. In phrases, as to make (hold, pay, keep, †yield or break) a vow.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > carrying out > observance or carrying out a promise, law, etc. > observe or carry out a promise, law, etc. [verb (transitive)] > specifically a promise
yieldc825
to make (hold, pay, keep, yield or break) a vowc1290
redeem1795
the mind > language > speech > agreement > promise > promise, vow, or pledge [verb (intransitive)]
queatheOE
sweara900
fangc1175
behightc1275
to make (hold, pay, keep, yield or break) a vowc1290
vowa1325
avowc1400
to plight (one's) faithc1410
promitc1422
promise1447
creance1477
to take in vow1526
votec1540
depose1610
vum1785
to nail down1859
pledge1928
the mind > language > speech > agreement > observance > observe, adhere, or keep a promise [verb (intransitive)]
to make (hold, pay, keep, yield or break) a vowc1290
beholda1400
to hold touch (also the touches)c1400
faithc1410
withholda1450
to keep touch1541
adherec1550
as good as one's word (also promise)c1560
inhere1563
watch1608
maximize1875
the mind > language > speech > agreement > observance > non-observance or breach > fail to observe [verb (intransitive)]
to make (hold, pay, keep, yield or break) a vowc1290
to break dayc1300
faithc1410
swerve1527
to break touch1594
jeofail1599
recant1599
recede1648
discede1650
renege1651
shab1699
shaffle1781
weasel1956
(a)
(b)a1340 R. Rolle Psalter cxv. 8 My wowis i sall ȝelde till lord in sight of all his folke.a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Job xxii. 27 Thou shalt preȝen hym..and thi vouwis thou shalt ȝelde.a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Coll. Phys.) l. 24907 Do vou elis and hald þi vow It sal te turn til mikel pru. 1526 [see sense 1c]. 1560 Bible (Geneva) Job xxii. 27 Thou shalt make thy prayer vnto him,..and thou shalt rendre thy vowes.?1611 G. Chapman tr. Homer Iliads ii. 248 Nor would [these men] pay Their own vows to thee.1651 T. Hobbes Leviathan i. xiv. 69 Being a thing unjust to pay such Vow.1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Æneis ii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 235 They feign'd it made For their Return, and this the Vow they paid.1718 Lady M. W. Montagu Let. 10 Mar. (1965) I. 381 She firmly intended to keep the vow she had made.1819 W. Wordsworth Misc. Sonn. i. xi. 5 How Shall Fancy pay to thee a grateful vow?1859 Ld. Tennyson Pelleas & Ettarre 549 Have any of our Round Table held their vows?1876 Ld. Tennyson Harold iii. i. 81 He did not mean to keep his vow.(c)1362 W. Langland Piers Plowman A. Prol. 68 Himself mihte a-soylen hem alle Of Falsnesse and Fastinge and of vouwes I-broken.a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 10674 Þe biscop..Durst noght hir do hir vou to breke.c1450 Mirk's Festial 9 I haue avowet chastite. And..for I wold not breke my vow, pryuely yn a nyght, I stale forþe yn pore wede.1483 Cath. Angl. 404/1 To breke Vowe, deuotare, deuouere.1531 T. Elyot Bk. named Gouernour iii. vii. sig. avv Onely I will shewe..howe terrible a thynge it was amonge them to breke their othes or vowes [printed a vowes].1596 Raigne of Edward III sig. C4v To breake a lawfull and religious vowe . View more context for this quotationa1641 H. Spelman Tithes too Hot to be Touched (1646) 135 So doubtlesse have we just cause to fear the dint of this curse in breaking this vow.1791 W. Cowper tr. Homer Iliad in Iliad & Odyssey I. i. 78 That we may learn By what crime we have thus incensed Apollo, What broken vow..He charges on us.1889 Ld. Tennyson Ring 401 No pliable idiot I to break my vow.c1290 St. Fides 51 in S. Eng. Leg. I. 84 For ich habbe to him mi vou i-maked.
a1300 Cursor Mundi 28286 Ic ha made vous oft vn-right and halden þam efter my might.
1303 R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne 2795 Ȝyf þou madest awhere any vowe To wurschyp God for þy prowe.
c1340 R. Rolle Pricke of Conscience 2942 Þan has þat man grete drede in hert; He mas þan vowes, and cryes on Crist.
a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1876) VI. 81 Kyng Oswy made a vow þat ȝif he hadde þe victorie in þat bataille he wolde offre his douȝter Elfleda to God of hevene.
c1430 Syr Gener. (Roxb.) 1925 To god and you a voye I make, I shal youre seruice neuer forsake.
1473 J. Warkworth Chron. (Camden) 8 He made a woue that the Lorde Willowby schuld lese his hede.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 619/2 I make a vowe to God and to Our Ladye that I shall never slepe one night where I slepe an other, tyll I have sene hym.
1587 J. Higgins Mirour for Magistrates (new ed.) Brennus ix I made a vowe to kill the man that causde me flye.
1603 W. Shakespeare Hamlet ii. ii. 70 He..Makes vow before his vncle, neuer more To giue the assay of Armes against your Maiestie.
1700 J. Dryden tr. Homer 1st Bk. Ilias in Fables 190 So may the Gods..accord the Vows you make, And give you Troys Imperial Town to take.
1718 [see ]. 1829 W. Scott Anne of Geierstein I. i. 28 He proceeded to recount the vow which was made..to Our Lady of Einsiedlen.
1867 W. Fleming Moral Philos. ii. ii. ii. 296 We may make a Vow, however, to our fellow-creatures, or even to ourselves.
c. Const. of (something).
ΚΠ
c1380 J. Wyclif Wks. (1880) 170 Many prestis vnwisly taken a wow of chastite.
c1475 (?c1400) Apol. Lollard Doctr. (1842) 38 Bi þe vertu of his degre, he made þe vow of chastite.
1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection ii. sig. Riiii To..kepe their .iiii. essencial vowes the better, that is the vowe of chastite, the vowe of obedience, the vowe of wylful pouertye, and the vowe of perpetuall inclusion.
1600 W. Shakespeare Midsummer Night's Dream i. i. 121 The Law of Athens yeelds you vp..To death, or to a vowe of single life. View more context for this quotation
1638 R. Baker tr. J. L. G. de Balzac New Epist. II. 21 Sir, if I had made a vow of humility, you give me here a faire occasion to bee proud for not breaking it.
1671 J. Milton Samson Agonistes 319 Against his vow of strictest purity. View more context for this quotation
1776 D. Dalrymple Ann. Scotl. I. 109 Having made a vow of perpetual virginity.
1859 Ld. Tennyson Vivien in Idylls of King 129 They bound to holy vows of chastity! Were I not woman, I could tell a tale.
1874 J. R. Green Short Hist. Eng. People iii. §6. 144 The vow of Poverty was turned into a stern reality.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > agreement > promise > promise, vow, or pledge [verb (intransitive)]
queatheOE
sweara900
fangc1175
behightc1275
to make (hold, pay, keep, yield or break) a vowc1290
vowa1325
avowc1400
to plight (one's) faithc1410
promitc1422
promise1447
creance1477
to take in vow1526
votec1540
depose1610
vum1785
to nail down1859
pledge1928
1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection ii. sig. Piii Ye & take it in vowe, that thy delectacion shulde be onely in the passion and paynes of Iesu Christe.
2. Christian Church. A solemn engagement to devote oneself to a religious life of a definite nature, such as that of a monastic or conventual order. Frequently in plural; to take the vows, to enter a religious order.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > worship > vow > [noun] > monastic
vowc1475
stability1516
the mind > language > speech > agreement > promise > [noun] > vow or oath > religious
avow1330
vowc1475
stability1516
society > faith > worship > sacrament > order > monastic profession > [verb (intransitive)] > make profession
profess?1510
to take the vows1845
monachize1876
c1475 (?c1400) Apol. Lollard Doctr. (1842) 101 Þerfor iuge religiouse men in þer consciens, if þei ground hem þus in her vowis.
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. lix Men must be warned that they suffre not them selues to be bounden to Monkish vowes.
a1578 R. Lindsay Hist. & Cron. Scotl. (1899) II. 71 Thow fals heretick hast taught plainlie aganes the wowis of monkes freiris nunes and preistis.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Measure for Measure (1623) iv. ii. 170 By the vow of mine Order, I warrant you, If my instructions may be your guide. View more context for this quotation
1651 T. Hobbes Leviathan iv. xlvi. 376 Monks, and Friers, that are bound by Vow to that simple obedience to their Superiour, to which every Subject ought to think himself bound.
1721 J. Strype Eccl. Memorials I. xliv. 339 A late proclamation of the king that disallowed of the marriage of priests, and concerning the vows of religious persons, gave them disgust.
1737 R. Challoner Catholick Christian Instructed xvii. 171 Those who have chosen the better Part, and consecrated themselves by Vow to God.
1815 W. Scott Lord of Isles vi. iii. 224 There Bruce's slow assent allows Fair Isabel the veil and vows.
1845 S. Austin tr. L. von Ranke Hist. Reformation in Germany (ed. 2) I. 463 On his friends earnestly pressing him to take the vows, he ran away.
1849 G. P. R. James Woodman I. v. 83 [One] who is very dangerous to all ladies not under vows.
3. A solemn promise of fidelity or faithful attachment. Also const. of (faith, love, etc.).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > agreement > promise > [noun] > vow or oath > of particular type
abjuration?a1439
professing1560
vow of silence1567
oath of allegiance1574
vow1600
affidation1612
abjuration1621
fetish1705
affidature1727
pledge of allegiance1750
abjuration of the realm1768
oath-parole1900
Guide's honour1912
1600 W. Shakespeare Midsummer Night's Dream i. i. 175 By all the vowes that euer men haue broke, (In number more then euer women spoke). View more context for this quotation
1600 W. Shakespeare Merchant of Venice v. i. 19 In such a night did young Lorenzo sweare he loued her well, stealing her soule with many vowes of faith. View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare Julius Caesar (1623) ii. i. 271 By all your vowes of Loue, and that great Vow Which did incorporate and make vs one. View more context for this quotation
a1762 Lady M. W. Montagu Epil. to Mary, Queen of Scots in Poems 18 Men mock the idol of their former vow.
1797 A. Radcliffe Italian II. i. 45 Let me lead you to the first altar that will confirm our vows.
1813 P. B. Shelley Queen Mab vi. 83 The fair oak, whose leafy dome affords A temple where the vows of happy love Are registered.
1829 E. Bulwer-Lytton Disowned II. iii. 28 They stood beside the altar, and their vows were exchanged.
1842 Ld. Tennyson Miller's Daughter (rev. ed.) in Poems (new ed.) I. 108 O would she give me vow for vow, Sweet Alice, if I told her all?
4. An earnest wish or desire; a prayer, a supplication. (So French vœu, Latin vōtum.)Not always clearly distinct from sense 1.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > wish or inclination > desire > wishing > [noun] > a wish > earnest
vow1563
utinam1643
1563 tr. Musculus' Common-pl. 499 A vowe is oftentymes taken for a desyre, and prayer. So whan those thynges whyche we haue desyred, do fall oute accordinge vnto oure mynde, wee saye we haue oure wishe or vowe.
a1599 E. Spenser Canto Mutabilitie vi. xxii, in Faerie Queene (1609) sig. Hh5 His brow (His black eye-brow, whose doomefull dreaded beck Is wont to wield the world vnto his vow).
1600 M. Sutcliffe Briefe Replie to Libel v. 125 They haue nothing more in their vowes, then her Maiesties ruine.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Æneis iii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 282 When..Priests with holy Vows the Gods adore.
1742 D. Hume Stoic in Ess. (1777) I. i. xvi. 159 Even their own vows, though granted, cannot give them happiness.
1747 B. Hoadly Suspicious Husband Ded. To send up my warmest Vows..that your Majesty may long enjoy the fruits of [etc.].
1794 E. Burke Let. 30 Dec. in Corr. (1969) VIII. 103 You have my most ardent vows for an auspicious beginning.
1820 P. B. Shelley Œdipus Tyrannus i. 8 Thou to whom Kings and laurelled Emperors..Offer their secret vows!
1850 Ld. Tennyson In Memoriam lxxvii. 108 At one dear knee we proffer'd vows, One lesson from one book we learn'd. View more context for this quotation
5. A solemn affirmation or asseveration.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > statement > assertion or affirmation > [noun] > solemn
oathOE
swarec1200
sermenta1325
jurament1575
asseveration1602
sanction1611
contestation1614
vowa1616
dejeration1626
sweara1643
dejury1683
fetish1705
vum1881
oath-pledge1884
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 2 (1623) iii. ii. 159 A dreadfull Oath, sworne with a solemn tongue: What instance giues Lord Warwicke for his vow . View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare Winter's Tale (1623) i. ii. 48 Her. Nay, but you will? Pol. I may not verely. Her. Verely? You put me off with limber Vowes . View more context for this quotation
1862 R. S. Hawker in C. E. Byles Life & Lett. R. S. Hawker (1905) xvii. 386 Every Methodist Preacher or Hearer must attest by Vow and Signature his assent to a Paragraph in Wesley's xith Sermon on the Witness of the Spirit.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > worship > sacrifice or a sacrifice > kinds of sacrifice > [noun] > votive
vow1382
devotion1542
votive1608
votive offering1732
devotement1799
ex-voto1823
1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) Deut. xii. 6 (early MSS.) Ȝee shul come & offre in þat place brent sacrifises,..& vouwis & ȝiftes.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Deut. xii. 6.
1611 Bible (King James) 1 Esdras viii. 58 The vessels are holy, and the golde, and the siluer is a vowe vnto the Lord. View more context for this quotation
a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1645 (1955) II. 413 There is belonging to this Church a world of Plate,..& lamps innumerable, besides the Costly Vowes hung up, some of Gold.
1686 Burnet Lett. (1708) 126 The little Vows, that hang without the holy Chapel.
Compounds
C1. vow-maker, vow-making, vow-pledged, vow-sanctifier, vow-sighing. Also vow-breaker n., etc.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > agreement > promise > [noun] > one who promises or vows
swearerc1380
beheterc1384
behighterc1475
promiserc1475
vower1546
votary1548
avower?1555
bearer1579
obligee1590
jurora1593
vow-fellow1598
vow-maker1598
stipulator1611
votist1613
plightera1616
voter1621
obligatora1625
obliger1633
promissor1644
promisor1665
sponsor1677
pledger1768
sanctioner1846
pledgee1924
oath-keepera1973
1598 J. Florio Worlde of Wordes Votario, a votarie, a vower, a promiser, a vow-maker.
1668 Earl of Clarendon Ess. in Tracts (1727) 177 That these vow-makers should be thought so necessary, when every one of their three vows is directly against the health..of the kingdom.
1681 J. Dryden Spanish Fryar ii. iv. 26 Love you know, father, is a great vow-maker, but he's a greater vow-breaker.
1743 P. Francis & W. Dunkin tr. Horace Odes II. iii. x. 14 Neither presents, nor vow-sighing strain.
1805 W. Wordsworth Waggoner iii. 44 What tears of rapture, what vow-making!
1817 Lady Morgan France (1818) I. 97 The days of the vow-making Louis XIII.
1832 W. Motherwell Poems 60 So the Vow-pledged One loved another.
C2. † vow-fellow n. Obsolete one who is bound by the same vow.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > agreement > promise > [noun] > one who promises or vows
swearerc1380
beheterc1384
behighterc1475
promiserc1475
vower1546
votary1548
avower?1555
bearer1579
obligee1590
jurora1593
vow-fellow1598
vow-maker1598
stipulator1611
votist1613
plightera1616
voter1621
obligatora1625
obliger1633
promissor1644
promisor1665
sponsor1677
pledger1768
sanctioner1846
pledgee1924
oath-keepera1973
1598 W. Shakespeare Love's Labour's Lost ii. i. 38 Who are the Votaries my louing Lordes, that are vowfellowes with this vertuous Duke? View more context for this quotation
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1920; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
vowv.1
/vaʊ/, U.S. /vaʊ/ 1. transitive. To promise or undertake solemnly, spec. by a vow to a deity or saint; to swear:
a. With subordinate clause (or equivalent).The subject of the subordinate clause may be different from that of the verb itself.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > agreement > promise > promise or vow [verb (transitive)]
swearc825
hightOE
behighta1000
behestc1175
bespeakc1320
queatha1325
vow1338
avowc1374
undertakec1385
forhighta1400
forsweara1400
hest14..
promitc1422
promise1430
protest1430
to swear outa1440
to swear to ——1598
pollicitate1657
1338 R. Mannyng Chron. (1810) 182 I vowe to Saynt Michael..Þat for wo ne wele hiþen ne salle I fare..tille þe castelle be taken.
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis I. 144 That veine gloire I schal eschuie, And bowe unto thin heste and suie Humilite, and that I vowe.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 10603 Þai yald hir to þe temple þan, Als þai voud had be-forn þat sco was of hir moder born.
1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) viii. l. 47 I wow to god..he sall nocht be In-to this Realm bot ane off ws sall de.
1535 W. Stewart tr. H. Boethius Bk. Cron. Scotl. (1858) II. 418 Gif tha wald nocht, he vowit tha sould haif Siclike reward as he gaif all the laif.
c1570 in J. Cranstoun Satirical Poems Reformation (1891) I. xiv. 88 I wow to the..Thay sall not mys ane riche rewaird.
1600 W. Shakespeare Merchant of Venice iv. i. 439 She made me vowe that I should neither sell, nor giue, nor loose it. View more context for this quotation
1786 R. Burns Poems 204 Quoth I, ‘Before I sleep a wink, I vow I'll close it’.
1838 T. Arnold Hist. Rome I. vii. 118 Aulus..vowed that he would raise a temple to Castor and to Pollux,..if they would aid him to win the battle.
1859 Ld. Tennyson Enid in Idylls of King 42 I vow'd that could I gain her, our kind Queen,..should make your Enid burst Sunlike from cloud.
b. With infinitive.
ΚΠ
1303 R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne 2804 Ȝyf þou vowe to do foly..God wyl nat þou hold yt so Þat þou þy vowe yn wykkednes do.
14.. Langland's P. Pl. B. v. 388 (Oriel) Þanne gan gloton grete, and greet deel made.., And vowede to faste.
a1513 W. Dunbar Poems (1998) I. 197 To that conditioun..That ȝe had vowit to the swan, Ane ȝeir to be Iohne Thomsounis man.
1596 J. Dalrymple tr. J. Leslie Hist. Scotl. (1895) II. 13 To God he had vowit, with ane armie to Jnvade the Saracenis gif he had lyfe.
1609 T. Dekker Guls Horne-bk. sig. B1v I defie your perfumd scorne: and vow to poyson your Muske cats, if their ciuet excrement doe but once play with my nose.
1641 in 10th Rep. Royal Comm. Hist. MSS (1885) App. i. 78 Quhilk dyett [of parliament] the Kinge hes woued to keepe except siknesse or deathe previne it.
1653 Bp. J. Taylor Ενιαυτος: Course of Serm. i. xiv. 189 He that vows never to have an ill thought, never to commit an error, hath taken a course [etc.].
a1768 T. Secker Lect. Catech. (1769) I. xx. 328 Vowing to do what there is no Use in doing, is trifling with our Creator.
1797 A. Radcliffe Italian I. iii. 91 He secretly vowed to defend her fame and protect her peace, at the sacrifice of every other consideration.
1849 G. P. R. James Woodman I. ii. 42 I do not recollect having vowed not to tell any secular persons.
1891 F. W. Farrar Darkness & Dawn II. xli. 75 Some Greek..named Hippolytus, who had vowed to live a virgin life for Diana.
c. With direct object.
ΚΠ
1303 R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne 2825 Eueyl he vowed, and swore hys oath, Þer-for with hym ys now god wroth.
a1500 Ratis Raving 575 He..bydis man kep weill gif he ocht wowis.
1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection Pref. sig. Ai Lyfe..is as a pilgremage: whiche we vowe and promesse in our baptyme.
1599 J. Weever Epigrammes sig. E6 Their sugred tongues..Say they are Saints..For thousands vowes to them subiectiue dutie.
1611 J. Speed Hist. Great Brit. vii. ii. 285/1 Such as hauing vowed their voiage and seruice for Ierusalem, wore..vpon their backes a red Crosse.
1651 T. Hobbes Leviathan i. xiv. 69 They that Vow any thing contrary to any law of Nature, Vow in vain.
1737 Gentleman's Mag. June 325/1 With solemn Curses and Imprecations upon themselves and Posterities, who should detract any of the Tythes so vowed and granted.
1737 R. Challoner Catholick Christian Instructed xvii. 174 He speaks not of such as have vowed Chastity, but of other Christians.
1791 W. Cowper tr. Homer Iliad in Iliad & Odyssey I. xxiii. 247 Then, Peleus' son..two Winds in prayer..invoked.., to each Vowing large sacrifice.
1820 W. Scott tr. Noble Moringer in Edinb. Ann. Reg. 1816 9 ii. p. ccccxcv 'Tis I have vow'd a pilgrimage unto a distant shrine.
1828 E. Bulwer-Lytton Pelham II. xx. 198 I fancied a perfection in her, and vowed an emulation in myself, which it was reserved for Time to ratify or deride.
1848 W. K. Kelly tr. L. Blanc Hist. Ten Years II. 483 The whole French soul vowed from that moment the capture of Constantina.
d. With cognate object.
ΚΠ
a1340 R. Rolle Psalter cxxxi. 2 Vow he vowed til god of iacob.
1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) Judges xi. 30 Passynge to the sones of Amon, he vowede a vowe to the Lorde.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Num. vi. A To vowe a vowe of abstinence vnto the Lorde.
a1616 W. Shakespeare All's Well that ends Well (1623) iv. ii. 23 Tis not the many oathes that makes the truth, But the plaine single vow, that is vow'd true. View more context for this quotation
a1625 J. Fletcher Wit without Money (1639) iv. sig. G3v Vow me no vowes, he that dares doe this, has bred himselfe to boldnesse, to forsweare too.
a1711 T. Ken Divine Love in Wks. (1838) 274 Whenever I voluntarily vow a vow to thee, give me grace to vow with all the due caution I can.
1808 W. Scott Marmion v. xxvii. 283 For weal of those they love, To pray the prayer, and vow the vow.
1829 W. Scott Anne of Geierstein I. ix. 274 Overwhelming the priests with the wealth which they showered upon them, and, finally, vowing vows, and making pilgrimages.
1867 Ld. Tennyson Holy Grail 584 Yet we twain Had never kiss'd a kiss, or vow'd a vow.
2. in extended use.1579 E. K. in E. Spenser Shepheardes Cal. June Argt. This Æglogue is wholly vowed to the complayning of Colins ill successe in his loue.† c. To dedicate by a ceremony. Obsolete. rare.
a. To dedicate, consecrate, or devote to some person or service. (Cf. avow v.2 2.)
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > giving > give [verb (transitive)] > dedicate or devote to
give1390
vow1526
adhibit1548
dedicate1553
devotea1616
devove1619
devow1626
the mind > will > decision > constancy or steadfastness > adhere constantly or steadfastly to [verb (transitive)] > dedicate or devote to something
vow1526
dedicate1553
society > faith > aspects of faith > holiness > consecration > perform consecration [verb (transitive)]
hallow971
blessc1000
teemc1275
bensyc1315
sacrec1380
dediec1430
consecratea1464
dedify1482
sanctify1483
consacrea1492
speak1502
vow1526
dedicate1530
sequester1533
celebrate1584
devote1586
vow1600
to set apart1604
devout1615
devove1619
devow1626
inauguratea1639
behallow1648
sanctificatea1677
sanctize1691
mancipate1715
sacrate1755
sacrify1827
sacrament1829
sacralize1933
the mind > language > speech > agreement > promise > promise or vow [verb (transitive)] > dedicate to or by a promise
vow1526
vote1531
devow1579
1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection iii. sig. GGii [They] hath vowed all their lyues to god and to his holy seruice.
1582 R. Stanyhurst tr. Virgil First Foure Bookes Æneis ii. 41 A tumb to Troytowne and mouldy tempil aneereth Vowd to the godlye Ceres.
1596 T. Danett tr. P. de Commynes Hist. vi. vii. 224 He tooke vpon him his voiage to Saint Claude, to whom as you haue heard he was vowed.
1613 R. Harcourt Relation Voy. Guiana 47 Captaine Haruey,..who hath nobly vowed his time and fortune to bee imployed in the prosecution of this honourable action.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Æneis viii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 457 The first Inhabitants, of Grecian Blood, That sacred Forest to Sylvanus vow'd.
1725 W. Broome in A. Pope et al. tr. Homer Odyssey III. xi. 25 The victims, vow'd to each Tartarean pow'r, Eurylochus and Perimedes bore.
1813 W. Scott Rokeby iv. 174 Connan-More, who vowed his race For ever to the fight and chace.
1843 W. Wordsworth Inscr. Mon. Crosthwaite Ch. 16 He to heaven was vowed Through his industrious life.
1896 A. Austin England's Darling i. i Virgins vowed to Heaven, Virgins as white as is the Yule-tide snow.
b. reflexive. Also const. into.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > decision > constancy or steadfastness > be or become steadfast [verb (reflexive)] > dedicate or devote oneself to something
vowc1500
c1500 Melusine (1895) 292 Vryan & Guyon entred in to the see, & vowed themself to Jherusalem.
1581 G. Pettie tr. S. Guazzo Ciuile Conuersat. (1586) i. 8 b Manie,..from their statelie pallaces, haue vowed themselues to beggerlie Monasteries.
1592 in J. Morris Troubles Catholic Forefathers (1877) (modernized text) 3rd Ser. 38 Mr. Edward James..having vowed himself into the Society [sc. the Jesuits].
1602 W. Fulbecke Parallele or Conf. Law i. 95 They have denied Christ and vowed themselues to the diuell.
1623 H. Cockeram Eng. Dict. iii Decii, three Roman Captaines,..who vowed themselues for their countrie.
1630 tr. G. Botero Relations Famous Kingdomes World (rev. ed.) 476 Some will lay 20, thirty or forty rubbles into the Caback, vowing themselves to the pot, till the stock be spent.
1826 W. Scott Talisman ix, in Tales Crusaders III. 214 My safety, my lord,..I cast behind me as a regardless thing when I vowed myself to this enterprize.
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > aspects of faith > holiness > consecration > perform consecration [verb (transitive)]
hallow971
blessc1000
teemc1275
bensyc1315
sacrec1380
dediec1430
consecratea1464
dedify1482
sanctify1483
consacrea1492
speak1502
vow1526
dedicate1530
sequester1533
celebrate1584
devote1586
vow1600
to set apart1604
devout1615
devove1619
devow1626
inauguratea1639
behallow1648
sanctificatea1677
sanctize1691
mancipate1715
sacrate1755
sacrify1827
sacrament1829
sacralize1933
1600 P. Holland tr. J. B. Marlianus Svmmary Topogr. Rome ii. iii, in tr. Livy Rom. Hist. 1355 The temple..was called Capitolinum; and Tarquinius Priscus vowed it.
3. To make a solemn resolve or threat to inflict (injury), exact (vengeance), harbour (hatred), etc.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > danger > threat or threatening > threaten (evil, etc.) [verb (transitive)] > verbally
beoteOE
vow1592
denounce1632
the mind > language > speech > agreement > promise > promise or vow [verb (transitive)] > threaten to
vow1592
1592 T. Kyd Spanish Trag. iv. sig. I3v May it be that Bel-imperia Vowes such reuenge as she hath daind to say.
1594 C. Marlowe & T. Nashe Dido v. ii Tell him, I never vow'd at Aulis' Gulf The desolation of his native Troy.
1609 W. Shakespeare Troilus & Cressida v. v. 31 Great Achilles, Is arming, weeping, cursing, vowing vengeance. View more context for this quotation
1625 in W. Foster Eng. Factories India 1624–9 (1909) 105 Thay both then voued reveng if I cam in their power.
1726 J. Swift Gulliver I. i. v. 91 The Empress..could not forbear vowing Revenge.
1839 tr. A. de Lamartine Trav. in East 49/1 In spite of the profound hatred which I had vowed to the pacha, I could not embrace the cause of the French.
1912 A. McCormick Words from Wild-wood ii. 43 In vain did he protest and vow vengeance upon his rebellious subjects.
4. intransitive. To make a vow or solemn undertaking; to bind oneself by a vow.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > agreement > promise > promise, vow, or pledge [verb (intransitive)]
queatheOE
sweara900
fangc1175
behightc1275
to make (hold, pay, keep, yield or break) a vowc1290
vowa1325
avowc1400
to plight (one's) faithc1410
promitc1422
promise1447
creance1477
to take in vow1526
votec1540
depose1610
vum1785
to nail down1859
pledge1928
a1325 Prose Psalter lxxv[i]. 11 Voweþ and ȝeldeþ to þe Lord, your God, ȝe alle þat bringe ȝiftes in his cumpas.
a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Prov. xx. 25 Falling is of men ofte to vouwe to seintis, and aftir the vouwis aȝeen drawe.
1560 Bible (Geneva) Ecclus. v. 4 It is better that thou shuldest not vowe, then that thou shuldest vowe and not paye it.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Measure for Measure (1623) i. iv. 10 You are yet vnsworne: When you haue vowd, you must not speake with men, But in the presence of the Prioresse. View more context for this quotation
1651 T. Hobbes Leviathan i. xiv. 69 They that Vow any thing contrary to any law of Nature, Vow in vain.
1668 J. Owen Nature Indwelling-sin xvii. 294 Knowing no other way to mortifie sin, but this of vowing against it.
c1710 Lady M. W. Montagu Let. in Wks. (1803) I. 148 I had better not vow, for I shall certainly love you, do what you will.
1782 J. Brown Compend. View Nat. & Revealed Relig. vi. iii. 608 They were capable to vow for themselves.
1812 G. Crabbe Tales vi. 115 She answer'd,..‘I have not vow'd against the holy state’.
1867 Ld. Tennyson Holy Grail 270 Because the hall was all in tumult—some Vowing, and some protesting.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1920; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
vowv.2
/vaʊ/, U.S. /vaʊ/ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > statement > acknowledgement or recognition > acknowledge or recognize [verb (transitive)]
yknowOE
knowc1175
yatec1175
knowledgec1225
vow1338
granta1387
kenc1400
admit1415
reknowledgec1450
acknowledge?1526
agnize1535
recognize1537
recognoscea1550
justify1600
granta1620
to take with ——a1653
recognizance1657
agnite1694
recognizate1799
1338 R. Mannyng Chron. (1810) 180 ‘If þou to non þat lyues,’ said R. ‘Þou [read Þi] cheue ne bowe, Þi lond men salle gife tille one þat may it vowe’.
1568 A. Scott Poems (1896) vi. 38 I dar not preiss hir to present it, Ffor be scho wreth I will not wow it.
2. reflexive.?1592 Trag. Solyman & Perseda i. iv Giue me thy hand, I vowe myselfe thy friend.absolute.1825 T. Hook Sayings & Doings 2nd Ser. I. 89 Grace protested that it [sc. the performance] was perfection, Mrs. Chatterton exclaimed, and the Colonel vowed.
a. To affirm or assert solemnly; to asseverate, to declare. (Cf. avow v.1 4.)
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > statement > assertion or affirmation > [verb (transitive)]
vowc1330
anferme1340
affirma1382
willa1382
threapc1386
avow1393
to make oneself strongc1425
maintain?c1430
protest1440
traverse1491
assure1509
ferma1525
verc1540
profess1542
enforce1579
justify1579
aver1582
to take on1583
asserta1604
will1614
assevera1618
positive1656
autume1661
declare1709
obtesta1722
predicate1782
asseveratea1847
c1330 Amis & Amil. 858 Than dede the douke com forth that may, And the steward withstode alway, And vouwed the dede tho.
1590 in J. Campbell Balmerino (1867) 176 Thou nor nane that appertenis to the dar stand up and vow that in my face.
1601 Ld. Mountjoy Let. in F. Moryson Itinerary (1617) ii. 123 If you haue any authority from the Queene to countermand mine,..it is more then you haue vowed to me to haue.
1642 T. Fuller Holy State iii. x. 175 Yet the same party, vowed to God, that he knew not that he could do it.
a1656 Bp. J. Hall Shaking of Olive-tree (1660) i. 47 These people Vow they will watch you.
1833 H. Martineau Briery Creek ii. 41 My wife vowed that a handsome looking-glass was a necessary of life to her.
1847 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair (1848) xxix. 253 She vowed that it was a delightful ball.
1866 C. Kingsley Hereward the Wake I. xv. 274 The knights of the neighbourhood..had all vowed him the most gallant of warriors.
b. I vow, used to strengthen an assertion.In later use chiefly U.S., also in the minced forms van, vowne v., and vum v.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > importance > [verb (transitive)] > attach importance to > render outstanding > in speech
I saya1300
to lay on load?1562
I vow1590
vowne1785
stress1794
1590 E. Spenser Faerie Queene ii. iv. sig. P8 Our selues in league of vowed loue wee knitt:..And for my part I vow, dissembled not a whitt.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Two Gentlemen of Verona (1623) iv. iv. 200 Else by Ioue, I vow, I should haue scratch'd out your vnseeing eyes. View more context for this quotation
1675 N. Lee Trag. Nero Prol. A bloody fatal Play you'l see to night, I vow to Gad, 'thas put me in a fright.
1687 T. Brown Saints in Uproar in Wks. (1730) I. 80 You'd break a man's sides with laughing, I vow and swear.
1749 H. Fielding Tom Jones VI. xvii. ii. 91 I vow I am afraid. View more context for this quotation
1773 O. Goldsmith She stoops to Conquer iii. 59 I vow, child, you are vastly handsome.
1790 R. Tyler Contrast (1887) ii. ii. 39 I vow I was glad to take to my heels and split home.
1848 J. R. Lowell Biglow Papers 1st Ser. viii. 103 I vow my holl sheer o' the spiles wouldn't come nigh a V spot.
1864 C. Dickens Our Mutual Friend (1865) I. i. vi. 50 I vow and declare I am half ashamed of myself for taking such an interest in you.
1875 Ld. Tennyson Queen Mary iii. v. 162 Robin came behind me, Kiss'd me well, I vow.
c. To make solemn assertion of (a feeling or quality).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > statement > assertion or affirmation > [verb (transitive)] > a feeling or quality
vow1753
1753 T. Gray Hymn to Adversity in Six Poems 25 To her they vow their truth, and are again believed.
1816 J. Wilson City of Plague iii. i. 187 The children of despair and poverty..Do passionately vow their gratitude.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1920; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
vowint.
/vaʊ/, U.S. /vaʊ/, Scottish English /vʌʊ/ Scottish.
An exclamation used to emphasize a statement. (See also wow int.)
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > importance > [interjection] > emphasizing a preceding statement
vow1788
I'll say1919
too right1919
1788 R. Burns in J. Johnson Scots Musical Museum II. 133 My only beast, I had nae mae, And vow but I was vogie!
1814 W. Nicholson Annandale Robin in Poems iii Hech me! but its lang since I saw you, And vow! ye're grown gaudy and grand.
a1870 D. Thomson Musings among Heather (1881) 117 When I saw that ye were weel, Vow, man, but I was gled.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1920; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
<
n.c1290v.11303
v.2c1330
int.1788- standardknee
- standardless
- standardly
- standardness
- standardrated
- standards
- standards officer
- standards watchdog
- standardsize
- standardsized
- standardstaff
- standardwing
- standardwing bird of paradise
- standardwing goatsucker
- standardwing nightjar
- standardwinged
- standartenführer
- standaway
- standback
- standbier
- standbiest
- standby
- standby bell
- standby credit
- standby duty