arch. Forms: 4–5 avou, avowe, 5 auough, 6 advow, 7– avow. [f. AVOW v.2, on analogy of VOW v. and sb.
(In OF. the two verbs avouer seem to have been quite identified (cf. alouer ALLOW). The sb. aveu, whose form is best explained by comparing it with veu, vœu:—L. vōtum, seems to belong in sense to avouer:—advocāre; whereas the Eng. sb. avow was in early times used only in sense of AVOW v.2:—*advōtāre. The connection of the Eng. with the Fr. sb. is thus rendered doubtful.)]
1. A vow, a solemn promise made to a deity, etc.
a. 1300. Cursor M., 10203. For-þi to godd a-vou þai gaf.
c. 1330. R. Brunne, Chron., 112. He brak his avowe, þat he to God had suorn.
c. 1440. Promp. Parv., 19. A-vowe, votum.
c. 1465. Chevy Chase, 1. The perse owt off northombarlonde an avowe to god mayd he.
1493. Petronylla (Pynson), 24. In hir auough made unto chastyte.
1493. Festyvall (W. de W., 1515), 79. Four cursyd knyghtes … made theyr avowe togider to sle Thomas.
1531. Dial. Laws Eng., II. xxii. (1638), 103. There is a promise that is called an Advow.
1655. J. Jennings, Elise, 74. I could not address my avows to a more accomplished subject.
1828. Scott, F. M. Perth, III. 45. I make mine avow, by the Red Rover’s soul! that he shall eat his writ.
† 2. A thing vowed; a votive offering. Obs.
1388. Wyclif, Acts xxiv. 17. To do almes dedis to my folc, and offryngis, and auowis.
c. 1400. Maundev., ix. 105. Ther thei ȝolden up here avowes.
