How do you sign 'promise' in sign language?

NOTE: The following answer refers specifically American Sign language and should not be misconstrued to refer to other Sign Languages.

There are actually two primary ways to sign 'promise' in American Sign Language, in addition to several "dialect signs."Below is one of the more common ones.

I Neutral space rest your Non-dominant hand near the waist in a "Horizon" position or close to the abdomen. If your non-dominant hand is your left hand, the fingers of your left hand should be pointing right, and of course the opposite if your non-dominant hand is your right hand. The non-dominant hand is in a PALM FACE DOWN position.

The elbow of your dominant hand rests on the BACK of your dominant hand, and the hand-shape of your dominant hand is either a 1 or a D variable, although the 1 hand-shape appears to be more common with the Deaf people I associate with. The 1 Handshape rests against the lips as in the hearing culture gesture for "silence" or "shhh", palm facing toward the shoulder of the non-dominant hand's arm. The dominant 1 hand-shape then moves fore-ward, while shifting to a five (5) hand-shape, palm-open.

IN UK SL There are 2 main signs which are used over and above regional dialects.

1. Right hand index finger points to the lip (touches) then moves the right hand to make a single chopping sign to the palm of the left hand.

2.Using the right index finger make a small cross sign to the center of the chest.

(both signs can be accompanied by saying the Word promise as well).