Vow

(vou.) [Fr. vœu; L. votum.] A solemn and religious promise, or oath (see OATH.) The use of vows is found in most religions. Among the Jews, all vOW A were to be voluntary, and made by persons wholly in their own power; and if such person made a V. in anything lawful and po ible, he was obliged to fulfil it. Among the Roman Catholics, a person is constituted a religious by taking three vows, that of poverty, chastity, and obedience. [s. 945]