The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

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.
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            Which I to be the of Israel's God
            Avow, and challenge Dagon to the test. --Milton.
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   2. (Law) To acknowledge and justify, as an act done. See
      Avowry. --Blackstone.
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   Syn: To acknowledge; own; confess. See Confess.
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