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.

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

Historical Examples of promissory

Their friendship was a promissory note, bound to be honoured to the full.
The Prisoner
Alice Brown
Instead of a promissory note, they made this a contract and a lease.
The White Desert
Courtney Ryley Cooper
You have brought Mr. DeVere's promissory note with you; have you not?
The Moving Picture Girls Snowbound
Laura Lee Hope
I picked up Blackstone and turned to his "promissory notes."
The Wit and Humor of America, Volume VIII (of X)
Various
"I gave him a promissory note for my fare," said the Flamingo.
Andiron Tales
John Kendrick Bangs

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

adj.

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