Traditionally an
oath (from
Anglo-Saxon , also called
plight) is either a
statement of
fact or a
promise with wording relating to something considered
sacred as a sign of verity. A common legal substitute for those who conscientiously object to making sacred oaths is to give an
affirmation instead. Nowadays, even when there's no notion of sanctity involved, certain promises said out loud in ceremonial or juridical purpose are referred to as oaths. To is a
verb used to describe the taking of an oath, to making a solemn
vow.