attest

 
Pronunciation: /əˈtɛst/

verb

  • 1 [with object] provide or serve as clear evidence of: his status is attested by his becoming an alderman [no object]: his numerous drawings of babies attest to his fascination with them
  • [no object] declare that something exists or is the case: I can attest to his tremendous energy [with clause]: the deceased’s solicitor attested that he had been about to institute divorce proceedings
  • witness or certify formally: the witnesses must attest and sign the will in the testator’s presence
  • 2 [no object] historical enrol as ready for military service: unfortunately for him, he attested
  • [with object] recruit (someone) for military service by putting them on oath to serve if called upon: 2,000,000 men were attested under this system

Derivatives

attestable

adjective

attestation

noun

attestor

noun

Origin:

early 16th century: from French attester, from Latin attestari, from ad- 'to' + testari 'to witness' (from testis 'a witness')