Sanc"tion (?), n. [L. sanctio, from sancire, samctum to render sacred or inviolable, to fix unalternably: cf. F. sanction. See Saint.]

1.

Solemn or ceremonious ratification; an official act of a superior by which he ratifies and gives validity to the act of some other person or body; establishment or furtherance of anything by authority to it; confirmation; approbation.

The strictest professors of reason have added the sanction of their testimony. I. Watts.

2.

Anything done or said to enforce the will, law, or authority of another; as, legal sanctions.

Syn. -- Ratification; authorization; authoruty; countenance; support.

 

© Webster 1913.


Sanc"tion, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Sanctioned (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Sanctioning.]

To give sanction to; to ratify; to confirm; to approve.

Would have counseled, or even sanctioned, such perilous experiments. De Quincey.

Syn. -- To ratify; confirm; authorize; countenance.

 

© Webster 1913.