v. U.S. colloq. [Alteration of VOW v.2] intr. To vow, swear.
1785. Mass. Spy, 13 Oct., 2/2. We all must dreadful mindful be That we must fight for liberty And vum well fend it, if we die.
1845. S. Judd, Margaret, I. xi. I vum, said he, what is the matter?
1858. O. W. Holmes, Aut. Breakf.-t., xi. (1891), 253. But the Deacon swore (as Deacons do, With an I dew vum, or an I tell yeou).
Hence Vum sb.
1881. J. T. Fields, in Harpers Mag., LXII. Jan., 249.
Darius was piqued, and he said, with a vum, | |
Ill pay for the wood, if youll send it hum: | |
But depend on it, neighbors, no danger will come. |