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.
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.