Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PROM'ISE, v.i.

1. To assure one by a promise or binding declaration. The man promises fair; let us forgive him.
2. To afford hopes or expectations; to give ground to expect good. The youth promises to be an eminent man; the wheat promises to be a good crop; the weather promises to be pleasant.
3. In popular use, this verb sometimes threatens or assures of evil. The rogue shall be punished, I promise you. Will not the ladies be afraid of the lion? … I fear it, I promise you. – Shak. In the latter example, promise is equivalent to declare, “I declare to you.”
4. To promise one's self, to be assured or to have strong confidence. I dare promise myself you will attest the truth of all I have advanced. – Rambler.