ac·knowl·edge vt -edged, -edg·ing
1: to indicate recognition and acceptance of
the power of taxation in the general and state governments is acknowledged to be concurrent — McCulloch v. Maryland, 17 U.S. 316 (1819)
2 a: to show by word or act that one has knowledge of and accepts responsibility for (a duty, obligation, or indebtedness)
b: to admit paternity of
will acknowledge the child as his compare filiate
3: to make known to a sender or giver the receipt of (what has been sent or given) or the fact of (one's having received what has been sent or given)
acknowledge receipt of a letter
4: to recognize as genuine so as to give validity: avow or admit in legal form
the execution of any such power of attorney shall be acknowledged before one of the officers — U.S. Code
Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of Law. Merriam-Webster. 1996.