Definitions for: Covenant


[n] a signed written agreement between two or more parties (nations) to perform some action
[n] (Bible) an agreement between God and his people in which God makes certain promises and requires certain behavior from them in return
[v] enter into a covenant
[v] agree to a covenant



Webster (1913) Definition: Cov"e*nant (k?v"?-nant), n. [OF. covenant, fr. F. &
OF. convenir to agree, L. convenire. See Convene.]
1. A mutual agreement of two or more persons or parties, or
one of the stipulations in such an agreement.

Then Jonathan and David made a covenant. --1 Sam.
xviiii. 3.

Let there be covenants drawn between us. --Shak.

If we conclude a peace, It shall be with such strict
and severe covenants As little shall the Frenchmen
gain thereby. --Shak.

2. (Eccl. Hist.) An agreement made by the Scottish Parliament
in 1638, and by the English Parliament in 1643, to
preserve the reformed religion in Scotland, and to
extirpate popery and prelacy; -- usually called the
``Solemn League and Covenant.''

He [Wharton] was born in the days of the Covenant,
and was the heir of a covenanted house. --Macaulay.

3. (Theol.) The promises of God as revealed in the
Scriptures, conditioned on certain terms on the part of
man, as obedience, repentance, faith, etc.

I will establish my covenant between me and thee and
thy seed after thee in their generations for an
everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to
thy seed after thee. --Gen. xvii.
7.

4. A solemn compact between members of a church to maintain
its faith, discipline, etc.

5. (Law)
(a) An undertaking, on sufficient consideration, in
writing and under seal, to do or to refrain from some
act or thing; a contract; a stipulation; also, the
document or writing containing the terms of agreement.
(b) A form of action for the violation of a promise or
contract under seal.

Syn: Agreement; contract; compact; bargain; arrangement;
stipulation.

Usage: Covenant, Contract, Compact, Stipulation.
These words all denote a mutual agreement between two
parties. Covenant is frequently used in a religious
sense; as, the covenant of works or of grace; a church
covenant; the Solemn League and Covenant. Contract is
the word most used in the business of life. Crabb and
Taylor are wrong in saying that a contract must always
be in writing. There are oral and implied contracts as
well as written ones, and these are equally enforced
by law. In legal usage, the word covenant has an
important place as connected with contracts. A compact
is only a stronger and more solemn contract. The term
is chiefly applied to political alliances. Thus, the
old Confederation was a compact between the States.
Under the present Federal Constitution, no individual
State can, without consent of Congress, enter into a
compact with any other State or foreign power. A
stipulation is one of the articles or provisions of a
contract.


Cov"e*nant (k?v"?-n?nt), v. i. [imp. & p. p.
Covenanted; p. pr. & vb. n. Covenanting.]
To agree (with); to enter into a formal agreement; to bind
one's self by contract; to make a stipulation.

Jupiter covenanted with him, that it should be hot or
cold, wet or dry, . . . as the tenant should direct.
--L'Estrange.

And they covenanted with him for thyrty pieces of
silver. --Matt. xxvi.
15.

Syn: To agree; contract; bargain; stipulate.


Cov"e*nant, v. t.
To grant or promise by covenant.

My covenant of peace that I covenanted with you.
--Wyclif.

Synonyms: compact, concordat

See Also: agreement, bar mitzvah, bat mitzvah, commune, communicate, confirm, contract, pledge, plight, understanding, undertake, written agreement

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