vau n. & v. --n. 1 Relig. a
solemn promise esp. in
the form of an
oath to
God or
another deity or to a
saint. 2 (in pl.) the promises by
which a
monk or
nun is bound to
poverty,
chastity,
and obedience. 3 a promise of
fidelity (lovers' vows;
marriage vows). 4 (usu. as baptismal vows) the promises
given at
baptism by the baptized
person or by sponsors. --v.tr. 1 promise solemnly (vowed obedience). 2
dedicate to a deity. 3 (also absol.)
archaic declare solemnly. øunder a vow having
made a vow. [ME f. AF v(o)u, OF vo(u), f. L (as VOTE): (v.) f. OF vouer, in
sense 2
partly f. AVOW]