I. ˈvau̇ noun
Etymology: Middle English vowe, from Anglo-French vou, from Latin votum, from neuter of votus, past participle of vovēre to vow; akin to Greek euchesthai to pray, vow, Sanskrit vāghat sacrificer
Date: 13th century
: a solemn promise or assertion ; specifically : one by which a person is bound to an act, service, or condition
II. verb
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1. : to promise solemnly : swear
2. : to bind or consecrate by a vow
intransitive verb
: to make a vow
• vow·er ˈvau̇(-ə)r noun
III. transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English, short for avowen
Date: 14th century
: avow , declare