What is "avouching"

Avouch \A*vouch"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Avouched (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Avouching.] [OF. avochier, LL. advocare to recognize the existence of a thing, to advocate, fr. L. advocare to call to; ad + vocare to call. Cf. Avow to declare, Advocate, and see Vouch, v. t.]

1. To appeal to; to cite or claim as authority. [Obs.]

   They avouch many successions of authorities.
   --Coke.

2. To maintain a just or true; to vouch for.

   We might be disposed to question its authenticity, it if were not avouched by the full evidence.
   --Milman.

3. To declare or assert positively and as matter of fact; to affirm openly.

   If this which he avouches does appear.
   --Shak.

   Such antiquities could have been avouched for the Irish.
   --Spenser.

4. To acknowledge deliberately; to admit; to confess; to sanction.

   Thou hast avouched the Lord this day to be thy God.
   --Deut. xxvi. 17.

vb. (present participle of avouch English)