v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Avowed (&unr_;); 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

Which I to be the of Israel's God
Avow, and challenge Dagon to the test. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Law) To acknowledge and justify, as an act done. See Avowry. Blackstone. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- To acknowledge; own; confess. See Confess. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. F. aveu. ] Avowal. [ Obs. ] Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. A vow or determination. [ Archaic ] [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Capable of being avowed, or openly acknowledged, with confidence. Donne. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. An open declaration; frank acknowledgment; as, an avowal of such principles. Hume. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. Act of avowing; avowal. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Upholding; defense; vindication. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Can my avowance of king-murdering be collected from anything here written by me? Fuller. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Law) The defendant in replevin, who avows the distress of the goods, and justifies the taking. Cowell. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Openly acknowledged or declared; admitted. -- A*vow"ed*ly adv. [1913 Webster]

n. [ F. avoué. Cf. Advowee, Advocate, n. ] The person who has a right to present to a benefice; the patron; an advowee. See Advowson. [ 1913 Webster ]