Oath (?), n.; pl. Oaths (#). [OE. othe, oth, ath, AS. a; akin to D. eed, OS. ēð, G. eid, Icel. eir, Sw. ed, Dan. eed, Goth. ais; cf. OIr. oeth.]

1.

A solemn affirmation or declaration, made with a reverent appeal to God for the truth of what is affirmed.

"I have an oath in heaven"

Shak.

An oath of secrecy for the concealing of those [inventions] which we think fit to keep secret.
Bacon.

2.

A solemn affirmation, connected with a sacred object, or one regarded as sacred, as the temple, the altar, the blood of Abel, the Bible, the Koran, etc.

3. Law

An appeal (in verification of a statement made) to a superior sanction, in such a form as exposes the party making the appeal to an indictment for perjury if the statement be false.

4.

A careless and blasphemous use of the name of the divine Being, or anything divine or sacred, by way of appeal or as a profane exclamation or ejaculation; an expression of profane swearing.

"A terrible oath"

Shak.

 

© Webster 1913.

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