n. [ L. approbatio: cf. F. approbation. See Approve to prove. ] 1. Proof; attestation. [ Obs. ] Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The act of approving; an assenting to the propriety of a thing with some degree of pleasure or satisfaction; approval; sanction; commendation. [ 1913 Webster ]

Many . . . joined in a loud hum of approbation. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

The silent approbation of one's own breast. Melmoth. [ 1913 Webster ]

Animals . . . love approbation or praise. Darwin. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Probation or novitiate. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

This day my sister should the cloister enter,
And there receive her approbation. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Approval; liking; sanction; consent; concurrence. -- 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.” [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. comprobatio. ] 1. Joint attestation; proof. [ Obs. ] Sir T. Browne. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Approbation. [ Obs. ] Foxe. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Pref. dis- + approbation: cf. F. désapprobation. Cf. Disapprove. ] The act of disapproving; mental condemnation of what is judged wrong, unsuitable, or inexpedient; feeling of censure. We have ever expressed the most unqualified disapprobation of all the steps. Burke. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. improbatio. ] 1. The act of disapproving; disapprobation. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Scots Law) The act by which falsehood and forgery are proved; an action brought for the purpose of having some instrument declared false or forged. Bell.

n. [ L. probatio, fr. probare to try, examine, prove: cf. F. probation. See Prove. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. The act of proving; also, that which proves anything; proof. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

When by miracle God dispensed great gifts to the laity, . . . he gave probation that he intended that all should prophesy and preach. Jer. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Any proceeding designed to ascertain truth, to determine character, qualification, etc.; examination; trial; as, to engage a person on probation. Hence, specifically: (a) The novitiate which a person must pass in a convent, to probe his or her virtue and ability to bear the severities of the rule. (b) The trial of a ministerial candidate's qualifications prior to his ordination, or to his settlement as a pastor. (c) Moral trial; the state of man in the present life, in which he has the opportunity of proving his character, and becoming qualified for a happier state. [ 1913 Webster ]

No [ view of human life ] seems so reasonable as that which regards it as a state of probation. Paley. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Probationary. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Of or pertaining to probation; serving for trial. [ 1913 Webster ]

To consider this life . . . as a probationary state. Paley. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ 1913 Webster ]

1. One who is undergoing probation; one who is on trial; a novice. [ 1913 Webster ]

While yet a young probationer,
And candidate of heaven. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A student in divinity, who, having received certificates of good morals and qualifications from his university, is admitted to several trials by a presbytery, and, on acquitting himself well, is licensed to preach. [ Scot. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The state of being a probationer; novitiate. Locke. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. A state of probation. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ F. réprobation, or L. reprobatio. ] 1. The act of reprobating; the state of being reprobated; strong disapproval or censure. [ 1913 Webster ]

The profligate pretenses upon which he was perpetually soliciting an increase of his disgraceful stipend are mentioned with becoming reprobation. Jeffrey. [ 1913 Webster ]

Set a brand of reprobation on clipped poetry and false coin. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Theol.) The predestination of a certain number of the human race as reprobates, or objects of condemnation and punishment. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Theol.) One who believes in reprobation. See Reprobation, 2. South. [ 1913 Webster ]