Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of 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.
\Ap*prove"\ ([a^]p*pr[=oo]v"), v. t. [OF. aprouer; a (L. ad) + a form apparently derived fr. the pro, prod, in L. prodest it is useful or profitable, properly the preposition pro for. Cf. {Improve}.] (Eng. Law) To make profit of; to convert to one's own profit; -- said esp. of waste or common land appropriated by the lord of the manor.