Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Approve

Approve ({not transcribed}) , transitive verb

[Old English aproven, appreven, to prove, Old French aprover, French approuver, to approve, from Latin approbare; ad + probare to esteem as good, approve, prove. See Prove, and compare Approbate.]

1.
To show to be real or true; to prove. [Obsolete]
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. — Rogers
They had not approved of the deposition of James. — Macaulay
They approved of the political institutions. — W. Black

This word, when it signifies to be pleased with, to think favorably (of), is often followed by of.

Approve (ap*prov") , transitive verb

[Old French aprouer; a (Latin ad) + a form apparently derived from the pro, prod, in Latin prodest it is useful or profitable, properly the preposition pro for. Compare 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.