What is an Avouchment?

Avouchment is a term that was commonly used in the past, but it has largely fallen out of use in modern English. It refers to a statement or document that attests to the truth of something, such as a sworn affidavit or a witness's testimony.

In essence, an avouchment is a form of proof or evidence that is provided by someone who is willing to vouch for its accuracy and authenticity. The person making the avouchment is called an avoucher, and they are typically someone who has personal knowledge or direct experience with the matter being attested to.

For example, if a witness were to provide a sworn statement about what they saw or heard, their statement would be considered an avouchment. Similarly, if someone were to provide an affidavit as evidence in a legal case, that affidavit would also be considered an avouchment.

While the term "avouchment" is no longer commonly used in modern English, it is still found in some legal and historical contexts, where it refers to a written statement or document that attests to the truth of something.