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.
Which I to be the of Israel's God
Avow, and challenge Dagon to the test.
Milton.
2. (Law) To acknowledge and justify, as an
act done. See Avowry. Blackstone.
Syn. -- To acknowledge; own; confess. See Confess.
A*vow", n. [Cf. F. aveu.]
Avowal. [Obs.] Dryden.
A*vow", v. t. & i. [OF. avouer, fr.
LL. votare to vow, fr. L. votun. See Vote,
n.] To bind, or to devote, by a vow. [Obs.]
Wyclif.
A*vow", n. A vow or determination.
[Archaic]