n. & v.
n. 1 an assurance that one will or will not undertake a certain action, behaviour, etc. (a promise of help; gave a promise to be generous). 2 a sign or signs of future achievements, good results, etc. (a writer of great promise).
v.tr. 1 (usu. foll. by to + infin., or that + clause; also absol.) make (a person) a promise, esp. to do, give, or procure (a thing) (I promise you a fair hearing; they promise not to be late; promised that he would be there; cannot positively promise). 2 a afford expectations of (the discussions promise future problems; promises to be a good cook). b (foll. by to + infin.) seem likely to (is promising to rain). 3 colloq. assure, confirm (I promise you, it will not be easy). 4 (usu. in passive) archaic betroth (she is promised to another). the promised land 1 Bibl. Canaan (Gen. 12:7 etc.). 2 any desired place, esp. heaven. promise oneself look forward to (a pleasant time etc.). promise well (or ill etc.) hold out good (or bad etc.) prospects. promisee n. esp. Law. promiser n. promisor n. esp. Law.
[ ME f. L promissum neut. past part. of promittere put forth, promise (as PRO-(1), mittere send) ]