D defs.my
Entry 6 senses Webster, 1913

Deposition

/dĕpˌ-əz-ĭsh'-ən/ · Dep·o·si·tion · IPA /ˌdɛp.əˈzɪʃ.ən/
01 n. The act of depositing or deposing; the act of laying down or thrown down; precipitation.
  1. 1.
    The act of depositing or deposing; the act of laying down or thrown down; precipitation.
    “The deposition of rough sand and rolled pebbles.” — H. Miller.
  2. 2.
    The act of bringing before the mind; presentation.
    “The influence of princes upon the dispositions of their courts needs not the deposition of their examples, since it hath the authority of a known principle.” — W. Montagu.
  3. 3.
    The act of setting aside a sovereign or a public officer; deprivation of authority and dignity; displacement; removal.
  4. 4.
    That which is deposited; matter laid or thrown down; sediment; alluvial matter; as, banks are sometimes depositions of alluvial matter.
  5. 5.
    An opinion, example, or statement, laid down or asserted; a declaration.
  6. 6.
    The act of laying down one's testimony in writing; also, testimony laid or taken down in writing, under oath or affirmation, before some competent officer, and in reply to interrogatories and cross-interrogatories.(Law)
Syn. Deposition, Affidavit.
Affidavit is the wider term. It denotes any authorized ex parte written statement of a person, sworn to or affirmed before some competent magistrate. It is made without cross-examination, and requires no notice to an opposing party. It is generally signed by the party making it, and may be drawn up by himself or any other person. A deposition is the written testimony of a witness, taken down in due form of law, and sworn to or affirmed by the deponent. It must be taken before some authorized magistrate, and upon a prescribed or reasonable notice to the opposing party, that may attend and cross-examine. It is generally written down from the mouth of the witness by the magistrate, or some person for him, and in his presence.