O*va"tion (?), n. [L. ovatio, fr. ovare to exult, rejoice, triumph in an ovation; cf. Gr. to shout: cf. F. ovation.]
1. Rom. Antiq.
A lesser kind of triumph allowed to a commander for an easy, bloodless victory, or a victory over slaves.
2.
Hence: An expression of popular homage; the tribute of the multitude to a public favorite.
To rain an April of ovation round
Their statues.
Tennyson.
© Webster 1913.