affidavit Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun written declaration made under oath; a written statement sworn to be true before someone legally authorized to administer an oath

LL. affidavit he has made oath, perfect tense of affidare. See Affiance, Affy.

(Law) A sworn statement in writing; a declaration in writing, signed and made upon oath before an authorized magistrate. Bouvier. Burrill. ✍ It is always made ex parte, and without cross-examination, and in this differs from a deposition. It is also applied to written statements made on affirmation. Syn. -- Deposition. See Deposition.