avowry

[ uh-vou-ree ]

noun

, Law.

, plural a·vow·ries.

1. a plea by a defendant in an action of replevin who admits taking the distrained goods and shows just cause for the taking.

Word History and Origins

Origin of avowry¹

1300–50; Middle English avowrie < Old French avouerie, equivalent to avou ( er ) to avow + -erie -ry

Example Sentences

Blackstone. µ When an action of replevin is brought, the distrainer either makes avowry, that is, avours taking the distress in his own right, or the right of his wife, and states the reason if it, as for arrears of rent, damage done, or the like; or makes cognizance, that is, acknowledges the taking, but justifies in an another's right, as his bailiff or servant.

From Project Gutenberg

For if any of the commoners were to make avowry for beasts taken in the common pasture it would then follow that if the Inquest were to pass against the plaintiff, he who avowed the taking in the common pasture would have the return of the beasts and the amends, and not the lord of the pasture, and that would be improper.

From Project Gutenberg