acquit oneself

[kjc0123]

I know that the word 'acquit' means bascially finding not guilty but 'acquit' also means behaving or conducting oneself. Is there some connection or relation between 'finding not guilty' and 'behaving or conducting oneself'?

[hambro]

I think it has to do with proving oneself, whether it be 'not guilty' or 'capable'

[Quizmonster]

Yes, there is a connection. 'Acquit', as long ago as the 13th century, meant to settle or clear a claim/debt. About three centuries later, it took on the further meaning of 'to set free/find not guilty' as in a court of law. 

The connection is in the idea of 'fulfilment'...ie in both cases the acquitting/acquitted person has fulfilled whatever was required of him in order not to 'owe' anything to anyone or - as someone innocent of a crime - to society in general