Sanc"tion (?), n. [L. sanctio,
from sancire, sanctum to render sacred or inviolable, to
fix unalterably: 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 giving 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; authority; countenance;
support.
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.