Proof; attestation. [Obs.] Shak. The act of approving; an assenting to the propriety of a thing with some degree of pleasure or satisfaction; approval; sanction; commendation. Many . . . joined in a loud hum of approbation. Macaulay. The silent approbation of one's own breast. Melmoth. Animals . . . love approbation or praise. Darwin. Probation or novitiate. [Obs.] This day my sister should the cloister enter, And there receive her approbation. Shak.