-mən(t)s noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle French afermance, from afermer + -ance
: a strong declaration : affirmation:
a. : an affirming of or assent to the existence, truth, or validity (as of a statement)
b. : a decision by a person to deal with an unauthorized act as though authorized
c. : a confirmation by a superior court of the validity and correctness of a judgment, decree, or order of a lower court