Emily Dickinson Lexicon

promise (-d), v. [see promise, n.] (webplay: demand, fear, man, power, words).

1. Covenant; vow; commit; swear; pledge; guarantee; solemnly agree; take a binding oath. (648/762, 1464/1516)
2. Assure; offer as comfort; declare with certainty; [fig.] prophesy; foretell.