Evidence

Ev′i·dence (ĕv′ĭ·dens), n. [F. évidence, L. Evidentia. See Evident.] 1. That which makes evident or manifest; that which furnishes, or tends to furnish, proof; any mode of proof; the ground of belief or judgement; as, the evidence of our senses; evidence of the truth or falsehood of a statement.

Faith is . . . the evidence of things not seen. Heb. xi. 1.

O glorious trial of exceeding love Illustrious evidence, example high. Milton.

2. One who bears witness. [R.] "Infamous and perjured evidences." Sir W. Scott.

3. (Law) That which is legally submitted to competent tribunal, as a means of ascertaining the truth of any alleged matter of fact under investigation before it; means of making proof; — the latter, strictly speaking, not being synonymous with evidence, but rather the effect of it. Greenleaf.

Circumstantial evidence, Conclusive evidence, etc. See under Circumstantial, Conclusive, etc. — Crown's, King's, or Queen's evidence, evidence for the crown. [Eng.] — State's evidence, evidence for the government or the people. [U. S. ] — To turn King's, Queen's or State's evidence, to confess a crime and give evidence against one's accomplices.

Syn. — Testimony; proof. See Testimony.

Ev′i·dence, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Evidenced; p, pr. & vb. n. Evidencing.] To render evident or clear; to prove; to evince; as, to evidence a fact, or the guilt of an offender. Milton.