affidavit Law.
(æfɪˈdeɪvɪt)
[late and med.L. affīdāvit = has stated on faith or oath, perf. t. of affīdāre, used for fidem dăre: see affy.]
A statement made in writing, confirmed by the maker's oath, and intended to be used as judicial proof. (In legal phrase the deponent swears an affidavit, the judge takes it; but in popular usage the deponent makes or takes it.)
| 1622 Malynes Anc. Law-Merch. 227 Which by Affidauit must be certified. a 1677 Barrow Serm. (1810) I. 9 An illustrious affidavit of God's wonderful propensity to bless and save mankind. 1755 Smollett Quix. (1803) IV. 60, I will make affidavit, that I have really and truly returned, and repaid the sum borrowed. 1853 Encycl. Brit. II. 200 Justices are permitted to take affidavits in any matter by declaration. 1872 Thackeray Christmas Bks. 100 Of this I am ready to take an affidavit any day. [1860 Hotten Slang Dict. s.v. Davy, ‘On my davy,’ on my affidavit, of which it is a vulgar corruption.] |
Comb. or attrib.
| 1678 Butler Hudibr. iii. i. 485 Held up his Affidavit Hand, As if h'had been to be arraign'd. 1808 Bentham Scotch Ref. 93 The favourite sort of evidence already mentioned—affidavit evidence. Ibid. 23 The affidavit-maker (deponent) remaining subject to examination. |