a. [ F. promesse, L. promissum, fr. promittere, promissum, to put forth, foretell, promise; pro forward, for + mittere to send. See Mission. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. In general, a declaration, written or verbal, made by one person to another, which binds the person who makes it to do, or to forbear to do, a specified act; a declaration which gives to the person to whom it is made a right to expect or to claim the performance or forbearance of a specified act. [ 1913 Webster ]

For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise. Gal. iii. 18. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Law) An engagement by one person to another, either in words or in writing, but properly not under seal, for the performance or nonperformance of some particular thing. The word promise is used to denote the mere engagement of a person, without regard to the consideration for it, or the corresponding duty of the party to whom it is made. Chitty. Parsons. Burrill. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. That which causes hope, expectation, or assurance; especially, that which affords expectation of future distinction; as, a youth of great promise. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

My native country was full of youthful promise. W. Irving. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. Bestowal, fulfillment, or grant of what is promised. [ 1913 Webster ]

He . . . commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father. Acts i. 4. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Promised p. pr. & vb. n. Promising. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. To engage to do, give, make, or to refrain from doing, giving, or making, or the like; to covenant; to engage; as, to promise a visit; to promise a cessation of hostilities; to promise the payment of money. “To promise aid.” Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To afford reason to expect; to cause hope or assurance of; as, the clouds promise rain. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To make declaration of or give assurance of, as some benefit to be conferred; to pledge or engage to bestow; as, the proprietors promised large tracts of land; the city promised a reward. [ 1913 Webster ]

Promised land. See Land of promise, under Land. --
To promise one's self. (a) To resolve; to determine; to vow. (b) To be assured; to have strong confidence. [ 1913 Webster ]

I dare promise myself you will attest the truth of all I have advanced. Rambler. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. [ 1913 Webster ]

1. To give assurance by a promise, or binding declaration. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To afford hopes or expectation; to give ground to expect good; rarely, to give reason to expect evil. [ 1913 Webster ]

Will not the ladies be afeard of the lion?
I fear it, I promise you. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Law) The person to whom a promise is made. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who promises. [ 1913 Webster ]