covenant
[ kuhv-uh-nuhnt ]
/ ˈkʌv ə nənt /
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noun
verb (used without object)
to enter into a covenant.
verb (used with object)
to promise by covenant; pledge.
to stipulate.
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Question 1 of 7
Let’s start with some etymology: What are the origins of the typographical word “bracket”?
First appeared around 1750, and is related to the French word “braguette” for the name of codpiece armor.
First appeared in 1610, based on the French word “baguette” for the long loaf of bread.
First appeared in 1555, and is related to the French word “raquette” for a netted bat.
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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/, adjectiveDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
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), adjectivecovenantally, 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)
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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.
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.