[ad. L. assevērātiōn-em, n. of action f. assevērāre: see ASSEVER and -ATION. Cf. It. asseueratione (Florio, 1611).]
1. The action of asseverating; solemn affirmation, emphatic assertion, positive declaration, avouchment.
1564. Brief Exam., ****** ij b. You so confidently bare the matter downe with your vndoubted asseueration.
1605. Bacon, Adv. Learn., I. 26. Men ought … to propound things sincerely, with more or lesse asseueration, as they stand in a man’s own iudgement, prooued more or lesse.
1781. Cowper, Convers., 59. Asseveration blustering in your face, Makes contradiction such a hopeless case.
2. That which is asseverated; a solemn or emphatic declaration or assertion.
a. 1556. Cranmer, Wks., I. 67. Such abominable and beastly asseverations as you never heard.
1658. T. Wall, God’s Revenge, 25. The wise man’s constant asseveration, by pride only cometh contention.
1753. Smollett, Ct. Fathom (1784), 152/2. Incensed at this asseveration, which he was not prepared to refute.
1855. Macaulay, Hist. Eng., IV. 520. In spite of the solemn asseverations of his wife and his servants.
3. Emphatic confirmation of a statement; a word or phrase used to express confirmation; an oath.
1602. T. Fitzherb., Apol., 11 a. I do first make the same asseueration as before vpon my Saluation.
1644. Bulwer, Chiron., 57. Both Hands smitten together … doth affirme with Rhetoricall asseveration.
a. 1675. Sterry, Freed. Will, 167. It is brought … with a twofold Asseveration; ‘Yea, even.’
1841. Dickens, Barn. Rudge (C. D. ed.), 146. The sergeant rejoined with many choice asseverations that he didn’t.
