from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Avow \A*vow"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Avowed} (?); p. pr. & vb. n.
{Avowing}.] [F. avouver, fr. L. advocare to call to (whence
the meanings, to call upon as superior; recognize as lord,
own, confess); ad + vocare to call. See {Advocate},
{Avouch}.]
1. To declare openly, as something believed to be right; to
own or acknowledge frankly; as, a man avows his principles
or his crimes.
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Which I to be the of Israel's God
Avow, and challenge Dagon to the test. --Milton.
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2. (Law) To acknowledge and justify, as an act done. See
{Avowry}. --Blackstone.
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Syn: To acknowledge; own; confess. See {Confess}.
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