A
covenant, in its most general sense and
historical sense, is a solemn promise to engage in or refrain from a specified action. Under historical English
common law a covenant was distinguished from an ordinary contract by the presence of a
seal. Because the presence of a seal indicated an unusual solemnity in the promises made in a covenant, the common law would enforce a covenant even in the absence of
consideration. In United States contract law, an
implied covenant of good faith is presumed.