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. | 
