Ascertain

1.

To render definite or fixed: as, to ascertain the relief due.' " The use in pleading of an averment is to ascertain that to the court which is generally or doubtfully ex- 1 Bennett v. Whitney, 94 N. Y. 305 (1884).

See also Cook V. Gray, 13.3 Mass. 110 (1882); 3 Cranch, C. C. 459. 2 Goi-don V. Gordon, 5 L. R., H. L. 264 (1871). = See 2 Bl. Com. 65, 465.

Swift wrote " A Proposal for correcting and ascertaining the English Tongue," and South (Sermons, V, 286) says that " success is intended ascertain his destruction." To make sure or certain; to establish, determine, settle.! This would seem to de,inand the observance of the usual mode of investigation, to determine the matter in question. Hence, where rent is to be " ascertained " by persons selected by the parties, notice of the time and place of hearing, with an opportunity for offering proofs, should first be given to the parties interested.

2 3.

To acquire information as to a fact; to become possessed of knowledge respecting an event or transaction; to learn the truth as to a matter capable of proof.

See Inquiry, 1; KNOWtEDGB, 1.