oaths

8 definitions • 9 examples

a promise, especially that you will tell the truth in a law court:

Medieval knights took an oath of allegiance/loyalty to their lord.

The witness placed her hand on the Bible and took the oath (= promised to tell the truth).

to have formally promised to tell the truth:

The judge reminded the witness that she was under oath.

an offensive word, especially one that uses a name for God:

muttering/mouthing oaths

a serious promise that you will tell the truth or that you will do what you have said:

Presidents take an oath to uphold the Constitution.

an offensive word, esp. one that uses a name for God

an official promise, especially when you promise to tell the truth in court:

The witness took the oath.

A psychologist cannot be compelled to attend a disciplinary hearing or to swear on oath.

having officially promised to tell the truth in court:

She was called to testify under oath before a congressional panel.

to accept a job in a government, especially in the US, in a ceremony which requires you to make an official promise to serve your country:

The newly-elected Democrat took the oath of office in the Senate yesterday and quickly introduced his first bill.