covenant
[ kuhv-uh-nuhnt ]
/ ˈkʌv ə nənt /
noun
verb (used without object)
to enter into a covenant.
verb (used with object)
to promise by covenant; pledge.
to stipulate.
Origin of covenant
1250–1300; Middle English < Anglo-French, Old French, noun use of present participle of
covenir < Latin
convenīre to come together, agree; see
-ant
OTHER WORDS FROM covenant
cov·e·nan·tal [kuhv-uh-nan-tl] /ˌkʌv əˈnæn tl/, adjectiveWords nearby covenant
Example sentences from the Web for covenant
British Dictionary definitions for covenant (1 of 2)
covenant
/ (ˈkʌvənənt) /
noun
a binding agreement; contract
law
- an agreement in writing under seal, as to pay a stated annual sum to a charity
- a particular clause in such an agreement, esp in a lease
(in early English law) an action in which damages were sought for breach of a sealed agreement
Bible
God's promise to the Israelites and their commitment to worship him alone
verb
to agree to a covenant (concerning)
Derived forms of covenant
covenantal (ˌkʌvəˈnæntəl), adjective covenantally, adverbWord Origin for covenant
C13: from Old French, from
covenir to agree, from Latin
convenīre to come together, make an agreement; see
convene
British Dictionary definitions for covenant (2 of 2)
Covenant
/ (ˈkʌvənənt) /
noun
Scot history
any of the bonds entered into by Scottish Presbyterians to defend their religion, esp one in 1638 (National Covenant) and one of 1643 (Solemn League and Covenant)
Cultural definitions for covenant
covenant
Literally, a contract. In the Bible (see also Bible), an agreement between God and his people, in which God makes promises to his people and, usually, requires certain conduct from them. In the Old Testament, God made agreements with Noah, Abraham, and Moses. To Noah, he promised that he would never again destroy the Earth with a flood. He promised Abraham that he would become the ancestor of a great nation, provided Abraham went to the place God showed him and sealed the covenant by circumcision of all the males of the nation. To Moses, God said that the Israelites would reach the Promised Land but must obey the Mosaic law. In the New Testament, God promised salvation (see also salvation) to those who believe in Jesus.