Oath (ōth), n.; pl. Oaths
(ō&thlig;z). [OE. othe, oth,
ath, AS. āð; akin to D.
eed, OS. ēð, G. eid, Icel. eiðr,
Sw. ed, Dan. eed, Goth. aiþs; 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.
Hear it pronounced