verb

• 1 [with object] provide or serve as clear evidence of: his status is attested by his becoming an alderman [no object]: his numerous drawings of babies attest to his fascination with them

• [no object] declare that something exists or is the case: I can attest to his tremendous energy [with clause]: the deceased’s solicitor attested that he had been about to institute divorce proceedings

• witness or certify formally: the witnesses must attest and sign the will in the testator’s presence

• 2 [no object] historical enrol as ready for military service: unfortunately for him, he attested

• [with object] recruit (someone) for military service by putting them on oath to serve if called upon: 2,000,000 men were attested under this system