approof

plural approofs

1. archaiccountableuncountabletrial; proof; testimony; affirmation.

   A man so absolute in my approof, / That nature hath reserv'd small dignity, / That he enjoys not.

   c. 1600, Ben Jonson, Cynthia's Revels

   2 more examples

   His good remembrance, sir, / Lies richer in your thoughts than on his tomb; / So in approof lives not his epitaph / As in your royal speech.

   c. 1604–1605, William Shakespeare, All's Well That Ends Well, act 1, scene 2, lines 48–51

   So popular did this volume become, as to pass through eight successive editions in the reign of Elizabeth; and it has lately been revived, under every editorial advantage, by the joint care of Sir Egerton Brydges and Mr. Haslewood, whose taste and accuracy need not my approof.

   1815, Thomas Park, Heliconia: A Selection of English Poetry, Advertisement

2. archaiccountableuncountableapproval; commendation

   O perilous mouths, / That bear in them one and the selfsame tongue, / Either of condemnation or approof,

   c. 1603–1604, William Shakespeare, Measure for Measure, act 2, scene 4, lines 172–174

   2 more examples

   But above all, his own works testifie of him to this day, and clearly demonstrate, that what respect the world, and what approof and commendations Authours have given him, was not affected but well deserved

   1640, John Gower (translator), Ovids Festivalls

   O GENTLE Maiden! may an humble Muse / That oft hath sought thy fair Approof to gain / One look benign from thy meek eye obtain / While now she culls the flowrets Nature strews / All in her simple Walks, no cultur'd Plain.

   1814, Capel Lofft, Laura