Oath (ōth), n.; pl.
Oaths (ōthz). [OE. othe,
oth, ath, AS. āð; akin to D.
eed, OS. ēð, G. eid, Icel.
eiðr, Sw. ed, Dan. eed, Goth.
aiþs; cf. OIr. oeth.] 1. A
solemn affirmation or declaration, made with a reverent appeal to God
for the truth of what is affirmed. "I have an oath in
heaven" Shak.
An oath of secrecy for the concealing of those
[inventions] which we think fit to keep secret.
Bacon.
2. A solemn affirmation, connected with a
sacred object, or one regarded as sacred, as the temple, the altar,
the blood of Abel, the Bible, the Koran, etc.
3. (Law) An appeal (in verification of
a statement made) to a superior sanction, in such a form as exposes
the party making the appeal to an indictment for perjury if the
statement be false.
4. A careless and blasphemous use of the name
of the divine Being, or anything divine or sacred, by way of appeal
or as a profane exclamation or ejaculation; an expression of profane
swearing. "A terrible oath" Shak.