Forms: 4 voch- (5 Sc. woche), fouche, 4 wowche, 5–6 vowch, 4–6 vouche, 5– vouch. [a. AF. and OF. vocher, voucher (OF. also voch-, vouchier, vougier, voukier), to call, summon, invoke, claim, etc., obscurely f. L. vocāre to call. Cf. AVOUCH v.]
1. trans. Law. To vouch to warrant or to (also † for) warranty, to cite, call or summon (a person) into court to give warranty of title. (After AF. and OF. voucher a garant.)
a. 1325. MS. Rawl. B. 520, fol. 47. Ȝif þilke þat is i voched to warant be in present ant mid wille wolle waranti þe tenaunt.
1485. Rolls of Parlt., VI. 324/2. And over that, caused theym … to vouche by covyn to warrant one John Smyth, whiche also by covyn entred into warrant.
1509–10. Act 1 Hen. VIII., c. 19. Preamble, Margaret vouched to warranty your said Suppliant.
1544. trans. Littleton’s Tenures, 34. Yf such tenaunt be impleded by a Precipe quod reddat &c. and he voucheth hys lorde to warranty.
1594. West, 2nd Pt. Symbol., § 136. The vouchee is he, whom the tenant voucheth, or calleth to warranty for the land in demaund.
1628. Coke, On Litt., 102. When the Tenant being impleaded within a particular iurisdiction … voucheth one to warranty.
1741. T. Robinson, Gavelkind, I. vi. 130. If the Heir at Common Law be vouched for Warranty.
1766. Blackstone, Comm., II. 380. If the vasal’s title to enjoy the feud was disputed, he might vouch, or call, the lord or donor to warrant or insure his gift.
1818. Cruise, Digest (ed. 2), V. 382. When a person is vouched to warranty, and enters of his own accord into the warranty, the law presumes that he parted with his possession with warranty.
1875. K. E. Digby, Real Prop. (1876), 78, note. The person vouched to warranty might in his turn vouch a second person, and the second vouchee a third.
absol. 1531. Dial. on Laws Eng., II. i. F iv b. When the tenaunte in tayle hath vouched to warrauntye.
1865. F. M. Nichols, Britton, II. 258. If the deforciant vouches to warranty, then the like process shall hold [etc.].
b. ellipt. (with omission of to warrant).
1544. trans. Littleton’s Tenures, 12. The wyfe of the feoffour bryngeth an accyon of Dower gaynst the yssue of the feoffe, and he vouched the heyre of the feoffour.
1625. Sir H. Finch, Law (1636), 370. If the tenaunt vouch a dead man, the demandant may auerre he is dead, or there is none such.
1628. Coke, On Litt., 386 b. If two men make a Feoffment…, and the one die, the Feoffee cannot vouche the survivor only, but the heir of him that is dead also.
1766. Blackstone, Comm., II. 359. If Edwards therefore be tenant of the freehold in possession,… Edwards doth first vouch Barker, and then Barker vouches Jacob Morland the common vouchee.
1818. Cruise, Digest (ed. 2), V. 325. This person being tenant to the præcipe, vouches the tenant in tail.
1875. K. E. Digby, Real Prop. (1876), 78, note. If at the time of the claim the vouchee were dead, the possessor of the thing claimed could ‘vouch the tomb’ of the vendor.
absol. 1523. Fitzherb., Surv., 20. If their copies were lost they may vouche and resort to the lordes court rolles.
1628. Coke, On Litt., 101 b. The partie, if he hath a Warrantie, shall not vouche, but haue his action of couenant, if [etc.].
1642. trans. Perkins’ Prof. Bk., I. § 49. 23. If a bastard eigne is impleaded and vouch and the vouchee enters into warranty.
1672. [see VOUCHER sb.2 4].
c. With over. Of a vouchee: To cite (another person) into court in his stead. Also absol.
1511–2. Act 3. Hen. VIII., c. 18. Preamble, In whiche … accione the seid tenauntes vouched to warrante Syre John Rysley Knyght and he vouched over to Warantie Thomas Fysshe.
1628. [see VOUCHER sb.1 1 b].
1741. T. Robinson, Gavelkind, I. vi. 130. If the Heir at Common Law be vouched for Warranty, who vouches the Heirs in Gavelkind because of the Possession, they all shall vouch over.
1766. Blackstone, Comm., II. 359. He vouches the tenant in tail, who vouches over the common vouchee.
1818. Cruise, Digest (ed. 2), V. 451. If a præcipe is brought against a tenant in tail, and his wife,… and they both vouch over in the usual manner, it will bar the estate tail. Ibid. A common recovery, in which he and his wife vouched over the common vouchee.
2. To take or call (a person) to witness. † In early use with to record. Also transf. (quot. 1700).
c. 1412. Hoccleve, De Reg. Princ., 1838. God of heuen vouch I to record, Þat … Thow schalt no cause haue more þus to muse.
1425. Rolls of Parlt., IV. 267/2. And yat ye same Wauter voucheth Baronez to recorde whiche bene present in yis Parlement, and wer present in yat Counseill.
1676. W. Longueville, in Hatton Corr. (Camden), I. 125. Clarke … quoted Basset’s man, a bookseller in Fleet-streete; and ye yong bookseller vouch’t Mr. Freake, a yong barrister of ye Middle Temple.
1700. Dryden, Ovid’s Met., XIII. 22. The Sun and Day are Witnesses for me, Let him who fights unseen relate his own, And vouch the silent Stars, and conscious Moon. Ibid., 101. That it is not a Fable forged by me,… I vouch ev’n Diomede.
b. To cite or appeal to (authority, example, doctrine, etc.) in support of one’s views or statements or as justification for a course of action.
1531. Elyot, Gov., III. xxv. But the most catholike and renoumed doctours … vouche (as I mought say) to their ayde the autoritie of the writars.
1581. J. Bell, Haddon’s Answ. Osor., 30. Bycause I sayd that our Preachers do alleadge Scriptures onely: and yet within a whiles after I added, that they did vouche the authoritie of the Fathers also.
1641. J. Shute, Sarah & Hagar (1649), 195. He voucheth the example of Elias, how God, upon his prayer, shut and opened heaven.
1660. Bonde, Scut. Reg., 363. I vouch every mans experience to warrant this truth.
1692. Locke, Toleration, III. ix. 215. So that you cannot vouch the Intention of the Magistrate, where his Laws say nothing.
1884. Law Rep., 14 Q. B. D. 799. There is no such doctrine as that … which has been vouched in order to take away the effect of this deed.
1885. Ld. Esher, in Law Times’ Rep. (N.S.), LIII. 445/2. A solicitor cannot vouch his privilege in such a case as this.
c. Similarly with reference to the citation of authors, works, etc.
1599. Thynne, Animadv. (1875), 71. In the catalogue of the auctors, you haue omytted manye auctors vouched by chawcer.
1611. Speed, Hist. Gt. Brit., IX. x. (1623), 651. For more credit to which assertion hee vouched sundry books and acts.
1630. Prynne, Anti-Armin., 239. We have truly vouched well nigh two hundred that consent with us.
1651. H. L’Estrange, Smectymnus-mastix, 17. When he is vouched to serve their turns, he is set out with a more honorable encomium, he is then stiled A learned Jew, the famous Rabbi Maymonides.
1722. Wollaston, Relig. Nat., iii. 43. For the truth of this I vouch the mathematicians.
1744. Harris, Three Treat., Wks. (1841), 45. I am not certain … whether you will admit such authorities as it is possible I may vouch.
1831. Westm. Rev., Jan., 73. No one now regards such writers as Ascham, Burton, Chapman … as obsolete, or would hesitate to vouch them to justify a word and keep its memory from oblivion.
1866. Q. Rev., July, 261. As he vouches another person for his former charge, and speaks allusively only of the second, it is difficult to say how much weight he attaches to either of these.
d. To cite, quote or adduce (a passage, etc.) out of a work in support of a view or statement.
1581. J. Bell, Haddon’s Answ. Osor., 25 b. You recite at the last certeine of my wordes, vouched out of Augustine, which be as followeth.
1583. H. Howard, Defensative, Oo j b. Since I find a sorte of godly verses vouched out of theyr vessels, by the learned fathers of the church.
1596. Danett, trans. Comines (1614), 79. Neither will I vouch examples out of the ancient histories.
1631. Heylin, St. George, 155. His testimony vouch’d by Authors of that antiquity,… assure[s] mee … that such a worke was in their times, receiv’d as his.
1656. Sanderson, Serm. (1689), 488. It would be too long to vouch Texts for each particular.
1842. S. R. Maitland, Remarks, 72. A statement, that Philpot vouched the major of his argument ‘out of Vigilius, an ancient writer.’
† 3. a. To put in evidence, to display. Obs.
13[?]. E. E. Allit. P., B. 1358. Þis bolde Baltazar biþenkkes hym ones, To vouche on [= an] avayment of his vayne glorie.
† b. To announce or declare (a vow). Obs.
13[?]. E. E. Allit. P., C. 165. Vchon glewed on his god þat gayned hym beste, Summe to Vernagu þer vouched a-vowes solemne.
† c. To cast the responsibility of (something) on a person. Obs.
c. 1395. Plowman’s Tale, 945. On hir bishop their warant [to] vouche, That is law of the decre.
4. To allege, assert, affirm or declare. Also const. upon or against (a person). Now rare or Obs.
1390. Gower, Conf., I. 295. Bot I spak nevere yit … That unto Cheste mihte touche, And that I durste riht wel vouche Upon hirself as for witnesse. Ibid., II. 24. For … sche myn herte toucheth, That for nothing that Slowthe voucheth I mai foryete hire.
1425. Rolls of Parlt., IV. 267/2. Thenne … ye same Wauter seyth and voucheth, ye Parlement yat King Richard held at Westm’ [etc.].
1581. J. Bell, Haddon’s Answ. Osor., 228 b. From whence shall this mylde & charitable allegation … appeare at the length to be truly vouched agaynst Luther?
1603. Shaks., Meas. for M., V. i. 326. What can you vouch against him, Signor Lucio? Is this the man that you did tell vs of? Ibid. (1604), Oth., I. iii. 103. Bra. I therefore vouch againe, That with some Mixtures, powrefull o’re the blood,… He wrought vp on her. Duke. To vouch this, is no proofe.
1662. South, Serm. (1697), I. 52. In that Power and Dominion that God gave Adam over the Creatures: In that he was vouched his immediate Deputy upon Earth.
1817. Shelley, Rev. Islam, IX. xxxi. 5. What we have done None shall dare vouch, though it be truly known.
† b. With complement. Obs.–1
1601. Shaks., All’s Well, II. v. 87. But like a timorous theefe, [I] most faine would steale What law does vouch mine owne.
5. To assert or affirm to be true or according to fact; to guarantee the truth or accuracy of (a statement, etc.); to attest or certify. Also const. against (a person).
1591. Savile, Tacitus, Hist., I. 49. Diuerse miracles vowched by sundry persons terrifyed the mindes of men.
1601. Shaks., All’s Well, I. ii. 5. Nay tis most credible, we heere receiue it, A certaintie, vouch’d from our Cosin Austria.
1700. Locke, Hum. Und. (ed. 4), IV. xvi. § 8. When any particular matter of fact is vouched by the concurrent Testimony of unsuspected Witnesses, there our Assent is also unavoidable.
a. 1703. Burkitt, On N. T., Matt. xxviii. 15. What an improbable and unlikely lie this was, which they put into the soldiers’ mouths to vouch.
1750. trans. Leonardus’ Mirr. Stones, 117. I believe the saying of Pliny is very true, that there is no lie so impudent which is not vouched by authority.
1774. Reid, Aristotle’s Logic, vi. § 2. 237. They will … respect nothing but facts sufficiently vouched.
1827. Hallam, Const. Hist., xv. II. 496, note. Boyer, in his History of the Reign of Queen Anne, p. 12, says [etc.]…. I should be glad to have found this vouched by better authority.
1841. W. Spalding, Italy & It. Isl., II. 99. Other legends were vouched by grave citations from a certain Book of Martyrdoms.
1879. M. Pattison, Milton, 153. An idle story that Milton died a Roman Catholic … is not well vouched, being hearsay three times removed.
absol. 1814. Scott, Lord of Isles, I. vi. Further vouches not my lay, Save that such lived in Britain’s isle.
1878. Browning, La Saisiaz, 66. Go and see and vouch for certain.
b. With subordinate clause: To bear witness, to testify, that [etc.].
1604. Shaks., Oth., I. iii. 262. Vouch with me Heauen, I therefore beg it not To please the pallate of my Appetite.
a. 1806. Bp. Horsley, 9 Serm. (1815), 138. Some few hours after, Peter vouches that he had seen our Saviour.
1828. Scott, F. M. Perth, xxxiv. The Prior of the Dominicans will vouch for me, that they are more than half heathen.
1884. Marshall’s Tennis Cuts, 24. That there are now occasional complaints on this score we can vouch from personal knowledge.
c. With complement to the object.
1684–5. South, Serm., Prov. xvi. 33 (1697), I. 358. If a man succeeds in any attempt, though undertook with never so much folly and rashness, his success shall vouch him a politician. Ibid. (1693), Serm., Eccl. i. 18 (1842), V. 3. His [sc. Solomon’s] judgment, whom God has hitherto vouched the wisest of men.
1903. Times, 29 Jan., 13/4. The girl … had vouched the man Waugh as having been present.
6. To support or uphold by satisfactory evidence; to back with proofs of a practical or substantial character.
1579. Tomson, Calvin’s Serm. Tim., 3/1. That all they that teache, may vouch in deede, and of a trueth, that Iesus Christ speaketh by their mouth. Ibid., 458/1. To vouch our Godlinesse, that is to say, to shewe in deede & without dissembling that wee labour to serue God.
1662. Glanvill, Lux Orient., i. 3. Let us take some account of what the 2 first opinions alledge one against another…: now, if they be found unable to withstand the shock of one anothers opposition; we may reasonably cast our eies upon the third, to see what force it brings to vouch its interest.
1667. Milton, P. L., V. 66. Mee damp horror chil’d At such bold words voucht with a deed so bold.
1697. C. Leslie, Snake in Grass (ed. 2), 281. If G. Whitehead cannot, by some better Miracles than these, vouch that Curse and Prophecy.
a. 1704. T. Brown, Sat. French King, Wks. 1730, I. 59. A change so monstrous I cou’d ne’er have thought, Tho’ Partridge all his stars to vouch it brought.
1778. Hist. Eliza Warwick, I. 28–9. Say, Madam, how can I possibly relieve you—and my zeal in serving you will best vouch the sincerity of my words.
1828. D’Israeli, Chas. I., II. ii. 49. He afterwards honourably vouched his words by his deeds.
1830. Scott, Demonol., x. 394. The extreme antiquity of the building is vouched by the immense thickness of the walls.
1911. E. Beveridge, North Uist, vii. 239. The general character of this site is fully vouched by traces of five or six old dwellings.
b. To attest or substantiate by written evidence.
1745. Pococke, Descr. East, II. III. i. 126. When I arrived at Scutari, they took my slave from me, as I had not the original writing by me to vouch the property of him.
1796. Morse, Amer. Geog., I. 462. Either party may appeal to the superior court … except on bonds or notes vouched by two witnesses.
1886. Law Times Rep., LXXX. 197/1. All expenses so claimed must be strictly vouched.
7. To support by recommendation; to become sponsor for (a person or thing). rare.
1590. Greene, Never too Late, Ep. Ded. Knowing you are such a Mæcenas of learning, that you will as soone vouch with Augustus a few verses, giuen by a poor Greeke, as of the Arabian Courser.
1659. T. Pecke, Parnassi Puerp., i. I want no Patrons for to vouch my Books.
1775. C. Johnston, Pilgrim, 212. It was impossible to object to such a scheme, especially as the magistrate vouched the fellow’s sagacity.
1906. A. Noyes, Drake, I. 82. Leicester vouched him; ‘This man’s tale is true!’
b. To affirm or guarantee (the truth of a statement).
1607. Shaks., Cor., V. vi. 5. Bid them repayre to th’ Market place, where I … Will vouch the truth of it.
1670. Covel, in Early Voy. Levant (Hakl. Soc.), 112. One of our English Merchants there (of good repute, though I shall not vouch the truth of his story) … told us [etc.].
1741. C. Middleton, Cicero, II. vi. (ed. 3), 149. The three Tribuns … terrifying the City with forged stories … produced their creatures in the Rostra to vouch the truth of them to the people.
1771. Mrs. Griffith, Hist. Lady Barton, III. 131. She had framed a novel against me,… so guarded at all points, that each part of it seemed to vouch the truth of the rest.
1805. Eugenia de Acton, Nuns of Desert, II. 179. Willet … should be summoned to vouch the truth of his own despatches.
c. To give or pledge (one’s word of honor) for something.
1898. Daily News, 10 Nov., 4/7. M. Cavaignac has … insulted France by vouching his personal honour for a gross, clumsy,… forgery.
8. intr. With for. a. To speak or bear witness in behalf of (a person); to be surety or sponsor for.
1687. A. Lovell, trans. Thevenot’s Trav., Pref. c. As to the Englishing of this Work, since the Translator has no body to Vouch for him, he must e’en leave it to take its chance.
1698. Collier, Immor. Stage, 215. The Salvo of Sir John Friendly’s appearing at last, and vouching for Lord Foplington, won’t mend the matter.
1728. Chambers, Cycl., s.v., A Person is said to Vouch for another, when he undertakes to maintain or warrant him in a thing, or passes his Word in his behalf.
1781. Cowper, Lett., 19 Feb. Mr. Hill knows me well enough to be able to vouch for me that I am not over-much addicted to compliments and fine speeches.
1820. Scott, Monast., xviii. I dispute not the lad’s qualities, for which your reverence vouches.
b. Of things: To supply evidence or assurance of (some fact).
1755. Young, Centaur, v. Wks. 1757, IV. 222. What year, nay, what day, has passed unimpowered to vouch for his clement, and absolute reign?
1757. W. Wilkie, Epigoniad, Pref. p. xxxv. The stories … would have appeared … altogether ridiculous,… till antiquity had procured them credit, or a tradition been formed afterwards to vouch for them to the world.
1826. Disraeli, Viv. Grey, V. viii. The very incident vouches for its sweet seclusion.
1867. Freeman, Norm. Conq. (1877), I. v. 324. The plan which he formed, though not successful, seems to vouch for his generalship.
1884. trans. Lotze’s Metaph., 276. The certainty of the law … is vouched for … by the results of experiment.
c. To give personal assurance of the truth or accuracy of (a statement or fact). Also with accuracy, truth, etc., as object.
1777. Sheridan, Sch. Scand., IV. iii. A very clear account, truly! and I dare swear the Lady will vouch for the truth of every word of it.
1798. in Nicolas, Disp. Nelson (1846), VII. p. clx. I do not vouch for what I have said of the Bellerophon and Majestic.
1800. Med. Jrnl., IV. 510. I cannot vouch for the accuracy of every minute particular, but am certain that the general statement will be found to be correct.
1841. Lane, Arab. Nts., I. 24. When he relates anything for the truth of which he can not vouch.
1865. W. G. Palgrave, Arabia, II. 176. I can vouch for the great frequency of these sources.
1882. Miss Braddon, Mt. Royal, II. iv. 54. I love the country better than ever, I can vouch for that.
† 9. trans. To assert a claim to (something). Obs. rare.
1488. Acta Dom. Conc. (1839), 108/1. Becauss þe said thomas clamit þe said landes to pertene to alane kynnard…, and that he walde woche thaim wiþ the perell: The lordis þarefore ordanis þe said maister William to woche samekle of þe said landis as he plessis. Ibid. (1491), 216/2. The said Johne allegiit þat all þe saidis landis wer his fee & heretage, & wochit þe samyn wiþ þe perell of law in presens of þe lordis.
1549. Coverdale, etc., Erasm. Par. 1 Cor. 39. Howebeit this labor of myne, I vouche not as myne, but gyue al to goddes goodnes, by whose helpe all was wrought.
† 10. To guarantee the title to, or legal possession of (something). Obs. rare.
1602. Shaks., Ham., V. i. 117. Will his Vouchers vouch him no more of his Purchases?
a. 1661. Fuller, Worthies (1662), I. 64. If one ignorantly buyeth stolen Cattel, and hath them fairly vouched unto him,… he cannot be damnified thereby.
11. † a. To deign or think fit to do something; = VOUCHSAFE v. 6. Also with simple object. Obs.
1589. Greene, Menaphon (Arb.), 51. I was … drawne … to … affoord you such companie as a poore swaine may yeeld without offence, which if you shall vouch to deigne of, I shall be … glad of such accepted seruice.
1590. Lodge, Euphues’ Gold. Leg., F 3 b. Marry, if you want lodging, if you vouch to shrowd your selues in a shepheards cotage, my house (for this night) shalbe your harbour.
c. 1590. Greene, Fr. Bacon, vii. Then must we all make suit … To Friar Bacon, that he vouch this task, And undertake to countervail in skill The German.
b. To condescend to grant or give; to allow or permit; = VOUCHSAFE v. 2 a.
1594. Lodge & Greene, Looking Gl., II. iii. 855. If that I meant not, Rasni, to forgiue,… I would not vouch her presence in my Courts.
1612. Two Noble K., V. iv. 123. Our master Mars Hath vouch’d his Oracle, and to Arcite gave The grace of the Contention.
1848. Bailey, Festus (ed. 3), 200. Power And means vouched heretofore to some, and now To him who words the wonders he hath seen.
† 12. intr. To deign to accept of something; = VOUCHSAFE v. 6 d. Obs. rare.
1589. Greene, Tullies Love, Ded. Then … if my worke, treating of Cicero, seeme not fit for Cicero … yet I craue your Honour will vouch of it, only for it is written of Cicero. Ibid. (1590), Never too Late (1600), 6. This Palmer … returning me many thanks, voucht of my proffer, and was willing to take my house for his Inne.
1602. Rowlands, Greenes Ghost, 6. But you kind friends, that loue your countries wealth, Vouch of my labours.
Hence Vouched ppl. a., Vouching vbl. sb.
1573–80. Baret, Alv., s.v. Vouch, Such vouching or constant affirmance.
1610. Shaks., Temp., II. i. 60. Gon. But the rariety of it is, which is indeed almost beyond credit. Seb. As many voucht rarieties are.
1611. Cotgr., Vouchement, a vouching in law.
1657. W. Morice, Coena quasi Κοινὴ, xi. 127. By the vouching of Theophylact I conceive they have gotten nothing.
1757. Mrs. Griffith, Lett. Henry & Frances (1767), IV. 76. A Gentleman had bought a Horse, some Time ago, which happened not to answer his Vouchings.
1816. Scott, Antiq., xxxvi. Aymer de Geraldin … who, by the less vouched, but plausible tradition … of the country, is said to have been descended from the Marmor of Clochnaben.
1832. Rolls of Parlt., Index 955/2. Collusive Sale of Land, and vouching by Warranty.
1894. A. Birrell, Ess., i. 4. This side of the account needs no vouching; but there is another side.
