ETYM Old Fren. avouer, from Late Lat. votare to vow, from Latin votun. Related to Vote.
1. To admit openly and bluntly; make no bones about; SYN. avouch.
2. Openly acknowledge; affirm.

1. To confess to God in the presence of a priest, as in the Catholic faith.
2. To confess to a punishable or reprehensible deed, usually under pressure; SYN. squeal, shrive.