from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Promise \Prom"ise\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Promised}; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Promising}.]
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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.
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2. To afford reason to expect; to cause hope or assurance of;
as, the clouds promise rain. --Milton.
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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.
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{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.
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I dare promise myself you will attest the truth
of all I have advanced. --Rambler.
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