(n.) The act of acknowledging; admission; avowal; owning; confession.
(n.) The act of owning or recognized in a particular character or relationship; recognition as regards the existence, authority, truth, or genuineness.
(n.) The owning of a benefit received; courteous recognition; expression of thanks.
(n.) Something given or done in return for a favor, message, etc.
(n.) A declaration or avowal of one's own act, to give it legal validity; as, the acknowledgment of a deed before a proper officer. Also, the certificate of the officer attesting such declaration.