Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

acknowledge

acknowledge (ak*nol"ej) , transitive verb

[Probably from pref. a- + the verb knowledge. See Knowledge, and compare Acknow.]

1.
To own or admit the knowledge of; to recognize as a fact or truth; to declare one's belief in; as, to acknowledge the being of a God.
I acknowledge my transgressions. — Bible (KJV) - Psalm li. 3
For ends generally acknowledged to be good. — Macaulay
2.
To own or recognize in a particular character or relationship; to admit the claims or authority of; to give recognition to.
In all thy ways acknowledge Him. — Bible (KJV) - Proverb iii. 6
By my soul, I'll ne'er acknowledge thee. — Shakespeare
3.
To own with gratitude or as a benefit or an obligation; as, to acknowledge a favor, the receipt of a letter.
They his gifts acknowledged none. — Milton
4.
To own as genuine; to assent to, as a legal instrument, to give it validity; to avow or admit in legal form; as, to acknowledge a deed.