Firmly
Defined in 2 dictionaries — Bouvier (1914), Black's (1910)
Bouvier's Law Dictionary and Concise Encyclopedia
John Bouvier; revised by Francis Rawle · 1914
Where a statute requires an affidavit that an appellant from an award of a board of arbitrators “firmly believes injustice has been done,” it is not sufficient to express belief, omitting the word firmly. The word is a strong expression intended to put the affiant on his guard. It cannot be dispensed with without substituting something equal to it in substance; as to what shall be so considered, there may be liberal construction. Verily is as strong a word as firmly, and is sufficient; Thompson v. White, 4 S. & R. (Pa.) 135.
Black's Law Dictionary
Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910
A statement that an affiant "firmly believes" the contents of the affidavit imports a strong or high degree of belief, and is equivalent to saying that he "verily" believes it. Bradley v. Eccles, 1 Browne (Pa.) 258; Thompson v. White, 4 Serg. & In (Pa.) 137. The operative words in a bond or recognizance, that the obligor Is held and "firmly bound," are equivalent to an acknowledgment of indebtedness and promise to pay. Shattuck v. Pcople, 5 111. 477.