Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SWEAR, v.i. [pret. swore, (formerly sware;) pp. sworn. Sax. swerian, swerigan; Goth. swaran; D. zweeren; G. schwören; Sw. sväria, to swear, and svara, to answer; Dan. sværger, to swear, and svarer, to answer. The latter seems to be from svarrer, to turn, Eng. veer. Swear seems to be allied to aver and the L. assevero, and to belong to the root Wr.]

1. To affirm or utter a solemn declaration, with an appeal to God for the truth of what is affirmed. Ye shall not swear by my name falsely. – Lev. xix. But I say to you, swear not at all. – Matth. v.
2. To promise upon oath. Jacob said, swear to me this day; and he swore to him. – Gen. xxv.
3. To give evidence on oath; as, to swear to the truth of a statement. He swore that the prisoner was not present at the riot.
4. To be profane; to practice profaneness. Certain classes of men are accustomed to swear. For men to swear is sinful, disreputable and odious; but for females or ladies to swear, appears more abominable and scandalous.