To assert or declare something as true; to vouch for or guarantee something; to acknowledge or admit openly.
From Middle English avouchen, from Old French avouchier, derived from Late Latin advocare (ad- 'to' + vocare 'to call'). Originally meant to call upon as a witness, evolved to mean asserting or vouching for something.
In medieval courts, when you 'avouched' something, you were literally calling witnesses to support your claim—you weren't just saying it, you were putting your reputation on the line. The word preserves this legal gravity even when we use it casually today.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.