[a. Fr. approbation, ad. L. approbātiōn-em, n. of action f. approbāre: see prec.]

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  † 1.  The action of proving true; confirmation, attestation, proof. Obs.

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1393.  Gower, Conf., II. 86. With calcination Of verray approbation Do that there be fixation.

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1533.  More, Debell. Salem, Wks. 1006/1. And in approbacion of hys other saying, conclude and say thus much ferther.

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1611.  Shaks., Cymb., I. iv. 134. Would I had put my Estate … on th’ approbation of what I haue spoke.

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a. 1718.  Penn, Life, Wks. 1726, I. 152. So great an Approbation of their Impostures.

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  2.  The action of formally or authoritatively declaring good or true; sanction.

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1502.  Ord. Crysten Men (W. de W.), I. v. (1506), 48. Charyte, by some approbacyon, is ayenst ye fader.

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1529.  Petition, in Froude, Hist. Eng., I. 194. Summoners, appraysers, and other ministers for the approbation of Testaments.

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1613.  Shaks., Hen. VIII., I. ii. 71. By learned approbation of the Iudges.

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1713.  Lond. & Country Brew., IV. (1742), 320. Dry their Malt according to the London Brewers Approbation.

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1839.  Keightley, Hist. Eng., II. 57. That of the Romish party received the royal approbation.

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  3.  The action of expressing oneself pleased or satisfied with anything; or the mere feeling of such satisfaction; approval expressed or entertained.

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1548.  Udall, etc., Erasm. Par. Rom. ii. 29 (R.). God … whose approbation is perfite blisse and saluacion.

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1652.  Needham, trans. Selden’s Mare Cl., Ded. So rare a Jewel as this, which hath drawn … the Approbation of All.

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1708.  Ld. Sunderland, in Ellis, Orig. Lett., II. 401, IV. 252. They hope what steps they have made will meet with your approbation.

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1711.  Budgell, Spect., No. 77, ¶ 5. Those Nods of Approbation which I never bestow unmerited.

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1806.  Metcalfe, in Wellesley, Disp., 810. Something more than cold approbation is required to foster great minds—the approbation should be hearty.

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1827.  Hare, Guesses, Ser. II. (1873), 549. Approbation speaks of the thing or action…. Praise is always personal.

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  † 4.  Probation, trial. Obs.

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1603.  Shaks., Meas. for M., I. ii. 183. This day, my sister should the Cloyster enter, And there receiue her approbation.

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1654.  Goddard in Burton’s Diary, Introd. (1828), I. 169. The ejecting of scandalous ministers … [and] the bringing in of them that have passed an approbation.

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