Oath (th), n.; pl. Oaths (z). [OE. othe, oth, ath, AS. ð; akin to D.
eed, OS. ð, 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.
Oath"a*ble (?), a. Capable of having an oath administered to. [Obs.]
Shak.