A-vow'ry, n.

n. [See AVOW. Cf. O. Fr. avouerie, avowerie, L. Lat. advocaria.] 1. (Law.) The act of the distrainer of goods, who, in an action of replevin, avows and justifies the taking in his own right. Blackstone. When an action of replevin is brought, the distrainer either makes avowry, that is, avows taking the distress in his own right, or the right of his wife, and states the reason of it, as for arrears of rent, damage done, or the like; or makes cognizance, that is, acknowledges the taking, but justifies it in another's right, as his bailiff or servant. 2. Protector; guardian. [Obs.] Let God alone be our avowry. Latimer.