approbation, appro bac i on

[In Fr. approbation; Sp. a pro bac i on; Port. approvação; Ital. app rob azione, approvazione; Lat. approbatio = (1) an approving, an a enting to, (2) proof, confirmation; from approbo =(1) to approve, (2) to prove.] [APPROBATE, APPROVE, PROVE.] I. The act of approving or of proving. 1. Of approving : (a) By words, or in any other way: Commendation, praise, approval. "Many, therefore, who did not a ent to all that the king had said, joined in a loud hum of approbation when he concluded."-Macaulay: Hist. Eng ., chap. xxiii. "Animals manifestly feel emulation, They love approbation or praise."- Darwin: Descent of Man, vol. i. (1871), pt. i., ch. ii., p. 42. (b) Tacitly : The act of approving of one's self, of another, or of others, within the secret rece es of the heart; liking, satisfaction, pleasure, complacency. "I am very sensible how much nobler it is to place the reward of virtue in the silent approbation of one's own breast than in the applause of the world."Melmoth: Pliny; Letters , bk. i., lett. 2. *2. The act of proving; attestation, support, proof. "For God doth know how many now in health Shall drop their blood in approbation Of what your reverence shall incite us to." Shakesp.: Hen . V., 1. 2 II. The state of being approved. *Spec.: The state of being on probation; trial. "This day my sister should the cloister enter, And there receive her approbation ." Shakesp. Meas. for Meas., 1. 2. *ăp'-pro-bā-tive, a. [In Fr. appro bat if ; Port. approbativo .] Containing, expre ing, or implying approval of commendatory, laudatory. ( Cotgrave .) [APPROBATORY.] ap-pro-bā-tive-ne , s. [Eng. approbative ; -ne .] 1. Ord. Lang.: The quality of being approbatory. 2. Phren.: Love of approbation.