ˌaprəˈbāshən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English approbacioun, from Middle French approbation, from Latin approbation-, approbatio, from approbatus (past participle of approbare to approve, prove) + -ion-, -io -ion — more at approve
1. obsolete : proof , attestation , confirmation
2.
a. : act of approving formally or authoritatively : sanction
without the previous approbation of any public officer — T.B.Macaulay
specifically : official certification that a person is authorized to perform the functions of an ecclesiastic
b. : an assenting to anything usually with some degree of pleasure or satisfaction : commendation
one of his early books … received the approbation of scholars — Current Biography
deportment that wins approbation — George Meredith
the pleasure of social approbation — Bertrand Russell
3. obsolete : probation , novitiate , trial