Emily Dickinson Lexicon

promise, n. [L. prōmiss-um, a promise < prōmitt-ěre, let go or send forth, put forth, promise, give hope of, foretell < prō, in front + mitt-ere, let go, send.] (webplay: commanded, day's, grant, great, obedience, perfect).

1. Assurance; surety; certainty; security; comfort.
2. Declaration; contract; pact; attestation; troth; plight; covenant; vow; pledge; binding agreement; assurance of fidelity; [fig.] betrothal.
3. Imminent future event; [fig.] death; grave; casket.