De*clare" , v. i. 1. To
make a declaration, or an open and explicit avowal; to proclaim one's self; --
often with for or against; as, victory declares against the allies.
Like fawning courtiers, for success they wait,
And then come
smiling, and declare
for fate.
Dryden. 2. (Law)
To state the plaintiff's cause of action at law
in a legal form; as, the
plaintiff declares in
trespass.
De*clare" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Declared (#);
p. pr. & vb. n.
Declaring.]
[F. déclarer, from L. declarare; de +
clarare to make clear, clarus, clear, bright. See Clear.] 1. To make clear; to free from obscurity. [Obs.] "To
declare this a little." Boyle.
2. To make known by
language; to communicate or manifest explicitly and plainly in any way; to exhibit; to publish; to proclaim; to announce.
This day I have begot
whom I declare
My only Son.
Milton. The heavens declare the glory of God.
Ps. xix. 1.
3. To make declaration of; to assert;
to affirm; to set forth;
to avow; as,
he declares the story to be false.
I the Lord . . . declare things that are right.
Isa.
xlv. 19. 4. (Com.)
To make full statement of, as goods,
etc., for the purpose of paying taxes, duties,
etc.
To declare off, to recede from an agreement, undertaking, contract,
etc.; to renounce. --
To declare one's self,
to avow one's opinion; to show openly what one thinks, or which side
he espouses.