Vow, v. i. To make a vow, or solemn promise.
Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow
and not pay.
Eccl. v. 5.
Vow"el (?), n. [F. voyelle, or an OF. form without y, L. vocalis (sc.
littera), from vocalis sounding, from vox, vocis, a voice, sound. See
Vocal.] (Phon.) A vocal, or sometimes a whispered, sound modified by
resonance in the oral passage, the peculiar resonance in each case
giving to each several vowel its distinctive character or quality as a
sound of speech; — distinguished from a consonant in that the latter,
whether made with or without vocality, derives its character in every
case from some kind of obstructive action by the mouth organs. Also, a
letter or character which represents such a sound. See Guide to
Pronunciation, §§ 5, 146-149.
In the English language, the written vowels are a, e, i, o, u, and
sometimes w and y. The spoken vowels are much more numerous.
Close vowel. See under Close, a. — Vowel point. See under Point, n.
Vow"el, a. Of or pertaining to a vowel; vocal.
Vow"eled (?), a. Furnished with vowels. [Written also vowelled.]
Dryden.
Vow"el*ish (?), a. Of the nature of a vowel. [R.] "The power [of w] is
always vowelish." B. Jonson.