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. ] [ 1913 Webster ] Wouldst thou approve thy constancy? Approve
First thy obedience. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. To make proof of; to demonstrate; to prove or show practically. [ 1913 Webster ] Opportunities to approve . . . worth. Emerson. [ 1913 Webster ] He had approved himself a great warrior. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ] 'T is an old lesson; Time approves it true. Byron. [ 1913 Webster ] His account . . . approves him a man of thought. Parkman. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. To sanction officially; to ratify; to confirm; as, to approve the decision of a court-martial. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. To regard as good; to commend; to be pleased with; to think well of; as, we approve the measured of the administration. [ 1913 Webster ] 5. To make or show to be worthy of approbation or acceptance. [ 1913 Webster ] The first care and concern must be to approve himself to God. Rogers. [ 1913 Webster ] ☞ This word, when it signifies to be pleased with, to think favorably (of), is often followed by of. [ 1913 Webster ] They had not approved of the deposition of James. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ] They approved of the political institutions. W. Black. [ 1913 Webster ] | 
