VOW, a solemn and religious promise, or oath. See OATH.
The use of vows is found in most religions. They make up a considerable part of the pagan worship, being made either in consequence of some deliverance, under some pressing necessity, or for the success of some enterprise. Among the Jews, all vows were to be voluntary, and made by persons wholly in their own power; and if such person made a vow, in any thing lawful and possible, he was obliged to fulfil it. If he appointed no particular
time for accomplishing his vow, he was bound to do it instantly, lest by delay he should prove less able, or be unwilling, to execute his promise. Among the Romanists, a person is constituted a religious by taking three vows, that of poverty, chastity, and obedience.