Oath \Oath\ ([=o]th), n.; pl. {Oaths} ([=o][th]z). [OE. othe, oth, ath, AS. [=a][eth]; akin to D. eed, OS. [=e][eth], G. eid, Icel. ei[eth]r, Sw. ed, Dan. eed, Goth. ai[thorn]s; 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.
In campaign speeches and presidential pronouncements, Mr. Reagan has sworn repeated oaths to rebuild the court in that image.
The council members, acting individually, claimed their oaths of office required them to uphold the laws of the city and protections guaranteed by the Constitution.
Some analysts predicted the bill will concentrate on tightening MI5 agents' oaths of secrecy following the government's failed attempt through courts in several countries to suppress the memoirs of retired agent Peter Wright.
The rest of Wisconsin's lawmakers will take their oaths on Jan. 7.
The ministers who took their oaths of office include just two with a long history in the top ranks of national government.