Obs. [A substantive use of AVAUNT adv. or int. taken as a name for itself; cf. alarm, assemble sb.] The order to be off.
1596. Bp. Barlow, Three Serm., iii. 132. The diuell tempted him, but he gaue him the auaunt, with the sworde of the spirit.
1613. Shaks., Hen. VIII., II. iii. To give her the avaunt!
1711. Shaftesb., Charac. (1737), I. 232. The defiance or avant [to Satan] shou’d run much after this manner.
