Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Avow \A*vow"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Avowed} (?); p. pr. & vb. n.
   {Avowing}.] [F. avouver, fr. L. advocare to call to (whence
   the meanings, to call upon as superior; recognize as lord,
   own, confess); ad + vocare to call. See {Advocate},
   {Avouch}.]
   1. To declare openly, as something believed to be right; to
      own or acknowledge frankly; as, a man avows his principles
      or his crimes.

            Which I to be the of Israel's God Avow, and
            challenge Dagon to the test.          --Milton.

   2. (Law) To acknowledge and justify, as an act done. See
      {Avowry}. --Blackstone.

   Syn: To acknowledge; own; confess. See {Confess}.