acknowledgev. t.[Prob. fr. pref. a- + the verb knowledge. See Knowledge, and cf. 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. (Ps. 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. (Prov. iii. 6.)By my soul, I'll ne'er acknowledge thee. (Shak.)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.()()