given one's word

Therefore, we are taught, that once given one’s word must be abided by so that it will be as stable and as much to be relied upon as an oath.”

Thus, a secret confided from necessity is more binding than one confided without necessity; a secret one has sworn to keep is more obligatory than a secret one has given one's word of honor to keep; a professional secret is more imperious than a private secret; a state secret is far more important than any secret of private individuals.