n. [ F. compromis, fr. L. compromissum a mutual promise to abide by the decision of an arbiter, fr. compromittere to make such a promise; com- + promittere to promise. See Promise. ] 1. A mutual agreement to refer matters in dispute to the decision of arbitrators. [ Obs. ] Burrill. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A settlement by arbitration or by mutual consent reached by concession on both sides; a reciprocal abatement of extreme demands or rights, resulting in an agreement. [ 1913 Webster ]

But basely yielded upon compromise
That which his noble ancestors achieved with blows. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

All government, indeed every human benefit and enjoyment, every virtue and every prudent act, is founded on compromise and barter. Burke. [ 1913 Webster ]

An abhorrence of concession and compromise is a never failing characteristic of religious factions. Hallam. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. A committal to something derogatory or objectionable; a prejudicial concession; a surrender; as, a compromise of character or right. [ 1913 Webster ]

I was determined not to accept any fine speeches, to the compromise of that sex the belonging to which was, after all, my strongest claim and title to them. Lamb. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Compromised p. pr. & vb. n. Compromising. ] [ From Compromise, n.; cf. Compromit. ] 1. To bind by mutual agreement; to agree. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Laban and himself were compromised
That all the eanlings which were streaked and pied
Should fall as Jacob's hire. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To adjust and settle by mutual concessions; to compound. [ 1913 Webster ]

The controversy may easily be compromised. Fuller. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To pledge by some act or declaration; to endanger the life, reputation, etc., of, by some act which can not be recalled; to expose to suspicion. [ 1913 Webster ]

To pardon all who had been compromised in the late disturbances. Motley. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. 1. To agree; to accord. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To make concession for conciliation and peace. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who compromises. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Promised beforehand; preëngaged. Bp. Hall. [ 1913 Webster ]

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 ]

v. t. [ 1st pref. un- + promise. ] To revoke or annul, as a promise. Chapman. [ 1913 Webster ]