vbl. sb. [f. VOW v. + -ING1.] The action of the verb in various senses.
a. 1300. Cursor M., 10692. Þe biscop … did þam sembled be, O þis vouing [v.r. vowing] of chastite For to ask o þaim sum rede.
1550. Bale, Apol., 136. Where as he calleth geldynge or makynge chast for the kyngdome of heauen, a voweynge of the single lyfe, whych Christ neuer ment.
1594. Carew, Tasso (1881), 11. That holy Pilgrims farre from dread of way That great Tombe might adore, and vowings pay.
1782. J. Brown, View Nat. & Revealed Relig., VI. iii. § 9 (1796), 505. Vowing is the making a solemn promise to God, in which we bind ourselves to do or forbear somewhat for the promoting his glory.
1844. Mrs. Browning, Man’s Requirem., ii. Love me with thine open youth In its frank surrender; With the vowing of thy mouth With its silence tender.
1886. Corbett, Fall of Asgard, II. 77. The drinking went forward again, and great was the vowing and boasting as the night went on.
