Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Approbation \Ap`pro*ba"tion\, n. [L. approbatio: cf. F.
   approbation. See {Approve} to prove.]
   1. Proof; attestation. [Obs.] --Shak.

   2. 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.

   3. Probation or novitiate. [Obs.]

            This day my sister should the cloister enter, And
            there receive her approbation.        --Shak.

   Syn: Approval; liking; sanction; consent; concurrence.

   Usage: {Approbation}, {Approval}. Approbation and approval
          have the same general meaning, assenting to or
          declaring as good, sanction, commendation; but
          approbation is stronger and more positive. ``We may be
          anxious for the approbation of our friends; but we
          should be still more anxious for the approval of our
          own consciences.'' ``He who is desirous to obtain
          universal approbation will learn a good lesson from
          the fable of the old man and his ass.'' ``The work has
          been examined by several excellent judges, who have
          expressed their unqualified approval of its plan and
          execution.''

Source : WordNet®

approbation
     n 1: official approval
     2: official recognition or approval [ant: {disapprobation}]