Law. [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, Christm. Bk., 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.
