Prom"ise (?), a. [F. promesse, L.
promissum, fr. promittere, promissum, to put
forth, foretell, promise; pro forward, for + mittere to
send. See Mission. ]
1. In general, a declaration, written or
verbal, made by one person to another, which binds the person who
makes it to do, or to forbear to do, a specified act; a declaration
which gives to the person to whom it is made a right to expect or to
claim the performance or forbearance of a specified act.
For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of
promise: but God gave it to Abraham by
promise.
Gal. iii. 18.
2. (Law) An engagement by one person to
another, either in words or in writing, but properly not under seal,
for the performance or nonperformance of some particular thing. The
word promise is used to denote the mere engagement of a person,
without regard to the consideration for it, or the corresponding duty
of the party to whom it is made. Chitty. Parsons.
Burrill.
3. That which causes hope, expectation, or
assurance; especially, that which affords expectation of future
distinction; as, a youth of great promise.
Shak.
My native country was full of youthful
promise.
W. Irving.
4. Bestowal, fulfillment, or grant of what is
promised.
He . . . commanded them that they should not depart
from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the
Father.
Acts i. 4.Prom"ise, v. t. [imp. & p.
p. Promised (?); p. pr. & vb. n.
Promising.]
1. To engage to do, give, make, or to refrain
from doing, giving, or making, or the like; to covenant; to engage;
as, to promise a visit; to promise a cessation of
hostilities; to promise the payment of money. "To
promise aid." Shak.
2. To afford reason to expect; to cause hope
or assurance of; as, the clouds promise rain.
Milton.
3. To make declaration of or give assurance
of, as some benefit to be conferred; to pledge or engage to bestow;
as, the proprietors promised large tracts of land; the city
promised a reward.
Promised land. See Land of promise,
under Land. -- To promise one's self.
(a) To resolve; to determine; to vow.
(b) To be assured; to have strong
confidence.
I dare promise myself you will attest the truth
of all I have advanced.
Rambler.Prom"ise, v. i.
1. To give assurance by a promise, or binding
declaration.
2. To afford hopes or expectation; to give
ground to expect good; rarely, to give reason to expect
evil.
Will not the ladies be afeard of the lion?
I fear it, I promise you.
Shak.