promissory

[prom-uh-sawr-ee, -sohr-ee]

adjective

containing or implying a promise.

of the nature of a promise.

Insurance. of or noting agreements or representations stipulating what is required to take place after the issuance of a policy.

Nearby words

Origin of promissory

From the Medieval Latin word prōmissōrius, dating back to 1640–50. See promise, -tory¹

Related formsprom·is·so·ri·ly, adverbnon·prom·is·so·ry, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for promissory

May it be negotiated, as a promissory note or bill of exchange?
Report of the Decision of the Supreme Court of the United States, and the Opinions of the Judges Thereof, in the Case of Dred Scott versus John F.A. Sandford|Benjamin C. Howard
Thus these certificates are bought and sold as promissory notes.
The Government Class Book|Andrew W. Young
Until he had obtained possession of the promissory notes there would be no crevice in which to drive any legal wedge.
The City of Numbered Days|Francis Lynde
No promissory notes existed, and consequently there was no 'bill book.'
The 'Fan Kwae' at Canton Before Treaty Days 1825-1844|William C. Hunter

One of these, the promissory oath, is no longer the foundation of any rights in private law.
The Common Law|Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.

British Dictionary definitions for promissory

promissory

adjective

containing, relating to, or having the nature of a promise

insurance stipulating how the provisions of an insurance contract will be fulfilled after it has been signed

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

Word Origin and History for promissory

promissory

adj.

mid-15c., from Medieval Latin promissorius, from Latin promissus, past participle of promittere (see promise (n.)). Promissory note recorded by 1670s.