2. The act of approving; an assenting to the propriety of a
thing with some degree of pleasure or satisfaction;
approval; sanction; commendation.
Many . . . joined in a loud hum of approbation.
--Macaulay.
The silent approbation of one's own breast.
--Melmoth.
Animals . . . love approbation or praise. --Darwin.
3. Probation or novitiate. [Obs.]
This day my sister should the cloister enter, And
there receive her approbation. --Shak.
Syn: Approval; liking; sanction; consent; concurrence.
Usage: {Approbation}, {Approval}. Approbation and approval
have the same general meaning, assenting to or
declaring as good, sanction, commendation; but
approbation is stronger and more positive. ``We may be
anxious for the approbation of our friends; but we
should be still more anxious for the approval of our
own consciences.'' ``He who is desirous to obtain
universal approbation will learn a good lesson from
the fable of the old man and his ass.'' ``The work has
been examined by several excellent judges, who have
expressed their unqualified approval of its plan and
execution.''