Af`fi*da"vit (&?;), n. [LL. affidavit he has made oath, perfect tense of affidare. See Affiance, Affy.] (Law) A sworn statement in writing; a declaration in writing, signed and made upon oath before an authorized magistrate. Bouvier. Burrill.

&fist; It is always made ex parte, and without cross-examination, and in this differs from a deposition. It is also applied to written statements made on affirmation.

Syn. -- Deposition. See Deposition.