Emily Dickinson Lexicon

DIS-A-VOW', v.t. [dis and avow. See Vow.]

1. To deny; to disown; to deny to be true, as a fact or charge respecting one's self; as, he was charged with embezzlement, but he disavows the fact. A man may disavow his name or signature; he may disavow a knowledge of a fact, or his concern in a transaction. Opposed to own or acknowledge.
2. To deny; to disown; to reject.
3. To dissent from; not to admit as true or justifiable; not to vindicate. The envoy disavowed some parts of the President's proclamation.