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.
Rog.
⇒ 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.
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© Webster 1913.
Ap*prove" (#), v. t. [OF. aprouer; (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.
© Webster 1913.