a. [f. L. vōt-um vow, wish (see VOTE sb.) + -AL.]
† 1. Existing in will or wish, though not carried out in fact. Obs.
1610. Boys, Wks. (1622), 361. When not so much as priuate [baptism] may be well obtained, votall is enough.
1618. T. Adams, God’s House, Wks. (1629), 624. He is not like those Debters, that haue neither meanes, nor meaning to pay. But though he wants actuall, he hath votall retribution.
1624. Sanderson, Serm., I. 243. Retribution and requital… must be real, if it be possible: but at the least, it must be votal in the desire and endeavour.
2. Of the nature of a vow or solemn engagement.
1632. Lithgow, Trav., I. 5. And teare-rent Sophyre, Synon-like betrayd What votall oathes, loues sterne fort, ne’er bewrayd.
a. 1638. Mede, Wks. (1672), 286. I will shew how far and in what sort these Eucharistical and Votal Offerings have been used in the first ages of the Church.
1855. R. Boyle, in B. versus Wiseman, 47. My reasons for leaving the Society were purely conscientious, arising solely from strong objections to take any further votal obligations.
† 3. Bound by vows; devoted to a religious life; appropriate to one under vows. Obs.
1636. R. James, Iter Lanc. (Chetham Soc.), 159. Lord Thebith’s daughter, whoe had promised … to liue aye A votall virgin till hir dying daye.
1656. Artif. Handsom., 123. Threatned with speedy death, if she did not restore her daughter to the former mode of votall habiliments.
4. Of offerings: Associated with a vow; votive.
1846. R. Hart, Eccl. Rec. Gt. Brit., 230. The mariner preserved from shipwreck presented a votal tablet on which was depicted the story of his escape.
Hence Votally adv., with a vow, solemnly.
1632. Lithgow, Trav., X. 484. He votally vndertooke … that … I should haue all my money … restored me agayne.
