Shak.
2. (Law) To give evidence on oath; as, to swear to the truth of a
statement; he swore against the prisoner.
3. To make an appeal to God in an irreverant manner; to use the name of
God or sacred things profanely; to call upon God in imprecation; to
curse.
[I] swore little; diced not above seven times a week.
Shak.
To swear by, to place great confidence in a person or thing; to trust
implicitly as an authority. "I simply meant to ask if you are one of
those who swear by Lord Verulam." Miss Edgeworth. -- To swear off, to
make a solemn vow, or a serious resolution, to abstain from something;
as, to swear off smoking. [Slang]
Swear, v. t. 1. To utter or affirm with a solemn appeal to God for the
truth of the declaration; to make (a promise, threat, or resolve) under
oath.
Swear unto me here by God, that thou wilt not deal falsely with me.
Gen. xxi. 23.
He swore consent to your succession.
Shak.
2. (Law) To put to an oath; to cause to take an oath; to administer an
oath to; -- ofetn followed by in or into; as, to swear witnesses; to
swear a jury; to swear in an officer; he was sworn into office.
3. To declare or charge upon oath; as, he swore treason against his
friend. Johnson.