avouch
|a-vouch|
/əˈvaʊtʃ/
declare/confirm (affirm or vouch)
Etymology
'avouch' originates from Old French (Anglo-Norman) specifically the word 'avoucher' (or 'avoucer'), where the prefix 'a-' is a form of Latin ad- 'to/toward' and the root is related to Latin 'vocare' meaning 'to call'.
'avouch' changed from Anglo-Norman/Old French 'avoucher' (also seen as 'avoucer') into Middle English forms such as 'avouchen' or 'avowchen' and eventually became the modern English verb 'avouch'.
Initially it meant 'to call in (as witness) or acknowledge formally', but over time it evolved into the current senses of 'affirm, vouch for, or attest'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to affirm or assert positively; to declare as true.
He was willing to avouch the truth of his statement.
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Verb 2
to vouch for or attest to someone's character, actions, or the veracity of something.
Several witnesses could avouch his good conduct during the event.
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Verb 3
(archaic / legal) To acknowledge, admit, or assume responsibility; to make a formal declaration in one's defense.
In older records the defendant did avouch his allegiance to the crown.
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Last updated: 2025/12/03 11:18