1. To engage to do, give, make, or to refrain from doing, giving, or
making, or the like; to covenant; to engage; as, to promise a visit; to
promise a cessation of hostilities; to promise the payment of money.
"To promise aid." Shak.
2. To afford reason to expect; to cause hope or assurance of; as, the
clouds promise rain. Milton.
3. To make declaration of or give assurance of, as some benefit to be
conferred; to pledge or engage to bestow; as, the proprietors promised
large tracts of land; the city promised a reward.
Promised land. See Land of promise, under Land. -- To promise one's
self. (a) To resolve; to determine; to vow. (b) To be assured; to have
strong confidence.
I dare promise myself you will attest the truth of all I have
advanced.
Rambler.
Prom"ise, v. i.