An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

To confirm or sanction formally; ratify.

Etymology (EN): M.E., from O.Fr. aprover “approve, agree to,” from L. approbare “to assent to as good, regard as good,” from → ad- “to” + probare “to try, test something (to find if it is good),” from probus “honest, genuine,” → prove.

Etymology (PE): Âsandidan, from â- + sandidan, as in pasandidan (with pati-) “to cherish, approve;” ultimately from Proto-Ir. *sand- “to appear, seem good;” cf. Av. sənd- “to appear, seem (good);” Manichean Mid.Pers. shyn “apparent, prominent, splendid;” Mid.Pers. passand “to approve;” Khotanese sad- “to appear, seem, show;” Skt. chand- “to appear, please;” L. censere “to appraise, value, judg” (Cheung 2007).