%averment%

n. [ Cf. OF. averement, LL. averamentum. See Aver, v. t. ] 1. The act of averring, or that which is averred; affirmation; positive assertion. [ 1913 Webster ]

Signally has this averment received illustration in the course of recent events. I. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Verification; establishment by evidence. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Law) A positive statement of facts; an allegation; an offer to justify or prove what is alleged. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ In any stage of pleadings, when either party advances new matter, he avers it to be true, by using this form of words: “and this he is ready to verify.” This was formerly called an averment. It modern pleading, it is termed a verification. Blackstone. [ 1913 Webster ]