Emily Dickinson Lexicon

AF-FIRM-A'TION, n.

1. The act of affirming or asserting as true; opposed to negation or denial. – Shak.
2. That which is asserted; position declared as true; averment. – Hammond.
3. Confirmation; ratification; an establishment of what had been before done or decreed. – Hooker.
4. A solemn declaration made under the penalties of perjury, by persons who conscientiously decline taking an oath; which affirmation is in law equivalent to testimony given under oath.