Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English homepage

Topic: CHRISTIANITY

Date: 1200-1300
Language: Old French
Origin: vou, from Latin votum; VOTE2

vow

1 noun
     
vow1 [countable]
1RRC a serious promise [↪ oath]:
Jim made a vow that he would find his wife's killer.
keep/break a vow (=to do or not do what you promised)
2 a religious promise that you will do something for God, the church etc
vow of chastity/celibacy/silence etc (=a promise that you will not have sex, will remain poor etc)
a priest who had taken a vow of celibacy
3

vows

[plural]
a) also marriage/wedding vows the promises you make during your wedding
make/take your vows
The couple made their vows at St Paul's Church in Hayes.
b) the promises you make when you become a Catholic priest or nun
Definition of vow from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English within
the topic CHRISTIANITY
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The CHRISTIANITY
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