Note: When an action of replevin is brought, the distrainer either makes avowry, that is, avours taking the distress in his own right, or the right of his wife, and states the reason if it, as for arrears of rent, damage done, or the like; or makes cognizance, that is, acknowledges the taking, but justifies in an another's right, as his bailiff or servant.
AVOWTRY
A*vow"try, v. t.
Defn: Adultery. See Advoutry.
AVOYER
A*voy"er, n. Etym: [F.]
Defn: A chief magistrate of a free imperial city or canton of
Switzerland. [Obs.]
AVULSE A*vulse", v. t. Etym: [L. avulsus, p. p. of avellere to tear off; a (ab) + vellere to pluck.]
Defn: To pluck or pull off. Shenstone.
AVULSION
A*vul"sion, n. Etym: [L. avulsio.]
1. A tearing asunder; a forcible separation. The avulsion of two polished superficies. Locke.
2. A fragment torn off. J. Barlow.