ETYM French évidence, Latin Evidentia. Related to Evident.
1. One's basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief; SYN. grounds.
2. An indication that makes something evident.
3. (Law) All the means by which any alleged matter of fact whose truth is investigated at judicial trial is established or disproved.
In law, the testimony of witnesses and production of documents and other material in court proceedings, in order to prove or disprove facts at issue in the case. Witnesses must swear or affirm that their evidence is true. In English law, giving false evidence is the crime of perjury.
Documentary evidence has a wide scope including maps, soundtracks, and films, in addition to documents in writing. Objects such as weapons used in crimes may serve as evidence. Evidence obtained illegally, such as a confession under duress, may be excluded from the court.
ETYM French étiquette a label, ticket, from Old Fren. estiquette, or Old Fren. etiquet, estiquet; both of Teutonic origin, and akin to Eng. stick. Related to Stick, Etiquette, Tick credit.
1. A commercial document showing that the holder is entitled to ride on public transportation or enter a public entertainment.
2. A summons issued to an offender (especially to someone who violates a traffic regulation).