Approve \Ap*prove"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Approved; p. pr. &
vb. n. Approving.]
[OE. aproven, appreven, to prove, OF.
aprover, F. approuver, to approve, fr. L. approbare; ad +
probare to esteem as good, approve, prove. See Prove, and
cf. Approbate.]
1. To show to be real or true; to prove. [Obs.]
Wouldst thou approve thy constancy? Approve First
thy obedience. --Milton.
2. To make proof of; to demonstrate; to prove or show
practically.
Opportunities to approve . . . worth. --Emerson.
He had approved himself a great warrior. --Macaulay.
'T is an old lesson; Time approves it true. --Byron.
His account . . . approves him a man of thought.
--Parkman.
3. To sanction officially; to ratify; to confirm; as, to
approve the decision of a court-martial.
4. To regard as good; to commend; to be pleased with; to
think well of; as, we approve the measured of the
administration.
5. To make or show to be worthy of approbation or acceptance.
The first care and concern must be to approve
himself to God. --Rogers.
Note: This word, when it signifies to be pleased with, to
think favorably (of), is often followed by of.
They had not approved of the deposition of James.
--Macaulay.
They approved of the political institutions. --W.
Black.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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