the act of acknowledging; admission; avowal; owning; confession.-the act of owning or recognized in a particular character or relationship; recognition as regards the existence, authority, truth, or genuineness.-the owning of a benefit received; courteous recognition; expression of thanks.-something given or done in return for a favor, message, etc.-a declaration or avowal of one's own act, to give it legal validity; as, the acknowledgment of a deed before a proper officer. also, the certificate of the officer attesting such declaration.