covenant

noun

cov·e·nant | \ˈkəv-nənt,

ˈkə-və-\

Definition of covenant

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a usually formal, solemn, and binding agreement : compact … international law, which depends upon the sanctity of covenants between rulers.— George H. Sabine

2a : a written agreement or promise usually under seal between two or more parties especially for the performance of some action the deed conveying the land contained restrictive covenants

b : the common-law action to recover damages for breach of such a contract

covenant

verb

cov·e·nant | \ˈkəv-nənt,

-ˌnant, ˈkə-və-\

covenanted; covenanting; covenants

Definition of covenant (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to promise by a covenant : pledge

intransitive verb

: to enter into a covenant : contract

Other Words from covenant Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about covenant

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Examples of covenant in a Sentence

Noun

an international covenant on human rights The restrictive covenants of the building development prohibit the construction of buildings over 30 feet tall.

Verb

a traditional rule held that a husband could not enter into a covenant with his wife, because that was the equivalent of covenanting with himself the home buyers had to covenant that they would restore and keep the house for at least 10 years in exchange for a low mortgage rate

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

In proposing the fund, Scott, a candidate for lieutenant governor on a ticket with lawyer Jim Shea, spoke of the city’s history of racist zoning laws and restrictive housing covenants. — Luke Broadwater, baltimoresun.com, "Baltimore City Council backs public financing of campaigns," 25 June 2018 The Texas Supreme Court overruled the lower courts in Friday’s opinion, determining that Tarr had not violated Timberwood Park’s restrictive covenants. — Joshua Fechter, San Antonio Express-News, "Texas Supreme Court rules in favor of San Antonio-area homeowner in short-term rental case," 25 May 2018 Diamond includes the standard story of restrictive covenants, blockbusting, freeway and public housing construction and other exclusionary techniques. — Aaron M. Renn, New York Times, "Four Books Explore Various Aspects of Cities Past and Present," 20 Apr. 2018 Caves Valley signed a covenant with the community in January agreeing not to put a gas station on the site. — Libby Solomon, baltimoresun.com, "Towson residents question plans for Towson Station, call for 'inspired commerce'," 29 June 2018 In a complaint filed this month, Pittenger and his wife, Suzanne, allege that Lebda violated design guidelines and covenants in the building of a new home in the upscale Quail Hollow subdivision in South Charlotte. — Rick Rothacker, charlotteobserver, "Congressman Pittenger's latest opponent is his millionaire CEO neighbor," 14 June 2018 Boys Volleyball Cathedral def covenant christian 25-14 25-10 25-15. — Indystar Sports, Indianapolis Star, "High School Results, May 12," 12 May 2018 But Samantha’s covenant with herself extended far beyond the bedroom. — Hannah Giorgis, The Atlantic, "Long Live Samantha Jones," 6 June 2018 By then restrictive real estate covenants discouraged various ethnic groups from living in other parts of the city. — Roger Showley, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Southeastern neighborhoods: Diversity, progress apparent in area rich with history," 22 June 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

USA TODAY NETWORK LOS ANGELES — Alien: Covenant edged out Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 in a weekend space battle at the box office. — Sandy Cohen, USA TODAY, "'Alien: Covenant' edges out 'Guardians 2' at weekend box office with $36M," 21 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'covenant.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near covenant

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Last Updated

11 Sep 2018

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Time Traveler for covenant

The first known use of covenant was in the 14th century

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More Definitions for covenant

covenant

noun

Financial Definition of covenant

What It Is

A covenant is a promise a company makes, usually in return for a loan or bond issue.

How It Works

Covenants are most common in lending agreements and bond indentures. They can be financial or operational in nature.

Operational covenants often require borrowers to maintain their physical assets to certain standards, meet minimum disclosure requirements, engage only in permissible business lines, or maintain a certain level of insurance.

Financial covenants are frequently ratios that the borrower is required to stay above or below (a 2:1 debt-to-equity ratio or interest coverage ratio, for example), but there are usually also restrictions on debt levels and minimum working capital requirements. Financial covenants often limit the borrower's purchase of new assets, changes in control, the use of the borrowed funds, and the payment of dividends (so that shareholders cannot vote to pay themselves huge dividends, leaving nothing for the creditors). Some may also limit compensation packages for officers.

The lending agreement in which the covenant appears will also provide detailed formulas to be used to calculate the ratios and limits. It is important to note that in many cases these formulas do not conform to generally accepted accounting principals (GAAP). For example, the covenant may include leases in the debt calculation, or it may consider capital leases as an expense. As a result, it is very important that borrowers scrutinize covenants before borrowing.

Violating a covenant can trigger a technical default. This means that although the issuer is making interest and principal payments on time, it is not operating within the agreed-upon guidelines and is thus increasing the risk of default in the eyes of the lender or bondholders. Often borrowers have a certain amount of time to remedy the technical default, but it often lowers the borrower's credit rating and stock price.

Why It Matters

Lenders attach covenants to bond issues and loans as a way to force the borrower to operate in a financially prudent manner that ensures it will repay the debt. Issuers, on the other hand, usually negotiate the most flexible covenants they can so they have the freedom to make decisions and take risks that might ultimately benefit the shareholders. In either case, covenants act as a safety mechanism that allows both parties to achieve its goals.

Source: Investing Answers

covenant

noun

English Language Learners Definition of covenant

: a formal and serious agreement or promise

law : a formal written agreement between two or more people, businesses, countries, etc.

See the full definition for covenant in the English Language Learners Dictionary

covenant

noun

cov·e·nant | \ˈkə-və-nənt

Kids Definition of covenant

: a formal or serious agreement or promise the covenant of marriage

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covenant

noun

cov·e·nant | \ˈkə-və-nənt

Legal Definition of covenant

1 : an official agreement or compact an international covenant on human rights

2a : a contract in its entirety or a promise within a contract for the performance or nonperformance of a particular act a covenant not to sue specifically : a promise relating to the transfer, possession, or ownership of real property — see also covenant not to compete, restrictive covenant