Main Entry: oath

Pronunciation: \ˈōth\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural oaths \ˈōthz, ˈōths\

Etymology: Middle English ooth, from Old English āth; akin to Old High German eid oath, Middle Irish oeth

Date: before 12th century

1 a (1) : a solemn usually formal calling upon God or a god to witness to the truth of what one says or to witness that one sincerely intends to do what one says (2) : a solemn attestation of the truth or inviolability of one's words b : something (as a promise) corroborated by an oath
2 : an irreverent or careless use of a sacred name; broadly : swearword