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DictionarycovenantFormal agreement
noun / verb

covenant

KUV-uh-nunt/ˈkʌvənənt/

A solemn agreement or promise, or to make one.

The two families make a covenant to protect the land.

East Asian woman and white man solemnly clasp hands over signed parchment with wax seal, formal agreement no readable text.
Etymology
coLatintogether
+venLatinto come
+antOld Frenchpresent participle ending

“Coming together” developed into “agreeing”: people could come together in their intentions as well as physically. The participial form became a noun for an agreement or promise, underlying the solemn modern sense.

In context

Appian Media30:47
A covenant is a kind of relationship with a promise in it. It's a binding agreement. It's your word that you'll hold up your end of the deal.
Lessons From the Land: the Exodus

More examples

  • The partners covenant to share all profits equally.
  • The deed includes covenants restricting construction on the property.
  • The congregation renews its covenant with God each year.

Forms

covenant · covenants · covenanted · covenanting

Similar words

pact
Emphasizes a mutual agreement rather than a solemn promise.
contract
Usually specifies legally enforceable duties rather than a solemn commitment.
pledge
Emphasizes a serious promise, often made by one party.