loyalty oath

noun

: a usually mandatory oath affirming the loyalty of its taker (as to a sovereign, government, or party principles)

ruled the Genevese … with the help of loyalty oaths and the gibbet

—Times Literary Supplement

the loyalty oath will be abandoned at the next Democratic convention

—Newsweek

especially : an oath often required of public employees or applicants for public employment in the U.S. typically affirming that the signer upholds the U.S. or state constitutions and is not knowingly a member of any of a number of organizations held to be subversive

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now