— vower , n. — vowless , adj.
/vow/ , n.
1. a solemn promise, pledge, or personal commitment: marriage vows; a vow of secrecy.
2. a solemn promise made to a deity or saint committing oneself to an act, service, or condition.
3. a solemn or earnest declaration.
4. take vows , to enter a religious order or house.
v.t.
5. to make a vow of; promise by a vow, as to God or a saint: to vow a crusade or a pilgrimage.
6. to pledge or resolve solemnly to do, make, give, observe, etc.: They vowed revenge.
7. to declare solemnly or earnestly; assert emphatically (often fol. by a clause as object): She vowed that she would take the matter to court.
8. to dedicate or devote by a vow: to vow oneself to the service of God.
v.i.
9. to make a vow.
10. to make a solemn or earnest declaration.
[ 1250-1300; ME vo ( u ) votum, neut. of votus, ptp. of vovere to vow ]