Obs. Also 3 avow. [a. OF. avoué, avoé (12th c.), avoet (11th c.):—L. advocāt-us: see ADVOCATE sb. As in assign and other words, the final -e became mute in ME., leaving avow. In 15th c. Fr. it was occas. spelt by the clerks advoué, whence the later Eng. ADVOWEE. (See AD- pref. 2.)] An advocate, patron or protector; esp. a patron saint.
1297. R. Glouc., 475. God and Seinte Marie, and Sein Denis al so, and alle the avowes [printed abowes] of this churche, in w[h]as ore ich am ido.
c. 1300. Beket, 2129. Alle the avows of the churche.
c. 1300. K. Alis., 3160. Hendely they bysechith thé That thou beo heore avowé.
c. 1490. Lyt. Geste, IV. in Ritson, Rob. Hood, I. 42. ‘Where is your abbay, when ye are at home, And who is your avowé?’
