To affirm, assert, state authoritatively or definitely; to declare as one's opinion, assessment, or… transitive. With object and complement, or…

To lay down decisively or authoritatively; to pronounce, declare, state. (Const. as in 4 5.)

To declare or pronounce authoritatively, esp. as being one's opinion or conclusion following careful… transitive. With clause as object. Obsolete.

transitive. To prescribe (what is to be done); to determine or lay down as being obligatory or necessary; to require as an imperative; to stipulate…

Originally U.S. to put on (also upon) record: to have (one's comments, views, opinions, etc.) recorded officially or for posterity; (reflexive) =…