Affidavit

A written or printed declaration or statement of facts, made voluntarily, and confirmed by the oath or affirmation of the party making it, taken before an officer having authority to administer such oath. An affidavit is a written declaration under oath, made without notice to the adverse party.

Code Civil Proc. Cal. § 2003; Code Civil Proc. Dak. § 464.

An affidavit is an oath in writing, sworn before and attested by him who hath authority to administer the same.

1 Mich. N. P. 139.

An affidavit is always taken ex parte, and in this respect it is distinguished from a deposition, the matter of which is elicited by questions, and which affords an opportunity for cross-examination.