oath
Solemn promise to tell the truth or perform some duty, combined with a declaration naming a deity or something held sacred. In English courts, witnesses normally swear to tell the truth holding a New Testament in their right hand. If a witness wishes, he or she may swear an oath on a holy book other than the New Testament by prior arrangement. People who object to the taking of oaths, such as Quakers (members of the Society of Friends) and atheists, give a solemn promise (affirmation) to tell the truth.
In the USA, witnesses raise their right hand in taking the oath.
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