Noah Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language

1. (v. t.) To declare openly; to own or acknowledge frankly; as, a man avows his principles or his crimes.

2. (v. t.) To acknowledge and justify, as an act done. See Avowry.

3. (n.) Avowal.

4. (n.) To bind, or to devote, by a vow.

5. (n.) A vow or determination.