TESTIMONY • DICTIONARY ONE.COM • Definition of Testimony

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/tˈɛstəmˌoʊni/ Listen

noun

Testimony n. (pl. testimonies)

1.

A solemn declaration or affirmation made for the purpose of establishing or proving some fact. Note: Such declaration, in judicial proceedings, may be verbal or written, but must be under oath or affirmation.

2.

Affirmation; declaration; as, these doctrines are supported by the uniform testimony of the fathers; the belief of past facts must depend on the evidence of human testimony, or the testimony of historians.

3.

Open attestation; profession. "(Thou) for the testimony of truth, hast borne Universal reproach."

4.

Witness; evidence; proof of some fact. "When ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them."

5.

(Jewish Antiq.) The two tables of the law. "Thou shalt put into the ark the testimony which I shall give thee."

6.

Hence, the whole divine revelation; the sacred Scriptures. "The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple."

Synonyms: Proof; evidence; attestation; witness; affirmation; confirmation; averment. Testimony, Proof, Evidence. Proof is the most familiar, and is used more frequently (though not exclusively) of facts and things which occur in the ordinary concerns of life. Evidence is a word of more dignity, and is more generally applied to that which is moral or intellectual; as, the evidences of Christianity, etc. Testimony is what is deposed to by a witness on oath or affirmation. When used figuratively or in a wider sense, the word testimony has still a reference to some living agent as its author, as when we speak of the testimony of conscience, or of doing a thing in testimony of our affection, etc. Testimony refers rather to the thing declared, evidence to its value or effect. "To conform our language more to common use, we ought to divide arguments into demonstrations, proofs, and probabilities; ba proofs, meaning such arguments from experience as leave no room for doubt or opposition." "The evidence of sense is the first and highest kind of evidence of which human nature is capable." "The proof of everything must be by the testimony of such as the parties produce."

verb

Testimony v. t. To witness; to attest; to prove by testimony. (Obs.)

See images of 'Testimony'

Etymology of 'Testimony'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Testimony" Quotes from Famous Books

... points in the course of my travels as the majority of my contemporaries: and by having things described to me on the spot, I think it is possible for me to form as correct a judgment as my own sight would enable me to do: and to confirm my accuracy, I could bring many living witnesses to bear testimony to my endless inquiries, and insatiable thirst for collecting information. Indeed this is the secret of the delight I derive from travelling, affording me as it does a constant source of mental occupation, and stimulating me so powerfully to physical exertion, that ...

— A Voyage Round the World, Vol. I (of ?) • James Holman

... Valentinian obtained silence, and commanded respect; and he thus addressed the assembly: "A few minutes since it was in your power, fellow-soldiers, to have left me in the obscurity of a private station. Judging, from the testimony of my past life, that I deserved to reign, you have placed me on the throne. It is now my duty to consult the safety and interest of the republic. The weight of the universe is undoubtedly too great for the hands of a feeble mortal. I am conscious ...

— The History of The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire - Volume 2 • Edward Gibbon

... the solitude of the valley with a casual, business-like air—arrived, asked questions, issued orders, sent two men abroad in search of the slayer, and removed the bodies to another jurisdiction, Hollister had nothing more to do with that until he should be called again to give formal testimony. ...

— The Hidden Places • Bertrand W. Sinclair

... all about the test telegram, which you sent from London in order to make sure that Barrymore was really here. I have already explained that the testimony of the postmaster shows that the test was worthless and that we have no proof one way or the other. I told Sir Henry how the matter stood, and he at once, in his downright fashion, had Barrymore up and asked him whether he had received the telegram ...

— Hound of the Baskervilles • Authur Conan Doyle

... over. Mr. Prescott shakes my confidence in my preconceived opinions upon the subject, as to whether Davis went out or not. I did not think before that Davis went out. Mr. Prescott cannot be mistaken. Mr. Prescott's testimony is not met by the negative testimony of Mr. Riley, for it was impossible that Mr. Riley could have constantly watched the left hand or easterly door, while talking with others or disputing with Mr. Wright. If he did go ...

— Report of the Proceedings at the Examination of Charles G. Davis, Esq., on the Charge of Aiding and Abetting in the Rescue of a Fugitive Slave • Various

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