When the blessed Virgin was so ascertained. --Jer.
Taylor.
Muncer assured them that the design was approved of
by Heaven, and that the Almighty had in a dream
ascertained him of its effects. --Robertson.
2. To make (a thing) certain to the mind; to free from
obscurity, doubt, or change; to make sure of; to fix; to
determine. [Archaic]
The divine law . . . ascertaineth the truth.
--Hooker.
The very deferring [of his execution] shall increase
and ascertain the condemnation. --Jer. Taylor.
The ministry, in order to ascertain a majority . . .
persuaded the queen to create twelve new peers.
--Smollett.
The mildness and precision of their laws ascertained
the rule and measure of taxation. --Gibbon.
3. To find out or learn for a certainty, by trial,
examination, or experiment; to get to know; as, to
ascertain the weight of a commodity, or the purity of a
metal.
He was there only for the purpose of ascertaining
whether a descent on England was practicable.
--Macaulay.