ppl. a. [f. APPROVE v.1 + -ED.]

1

  1.  Proved or established by experience, tried, tested.

2

c. 1380.  Sir Ferumb., 1409. A noble knyȝt aproued.

3

1489.  Caxton, Faytes of Armes, I. xxiii. 71. The … mooste approued men of armes.

4

1563.  T. Gale, Antidot., Pref. 1. Diuers approued medicines.

5

1656.  Bramhall, Replic., iv. 177. Persons of approued integrity.

6

1709.  Lond. Gaz., mmmmccccxxi/3. The humble Address of the Bayliff, Steward, Approved-men, and Burgesses of … Andover.

7

1790.  Burke, Fr. Rev., Wks. V. 64. The old approved mode.

8

1824.  Scott, St. Ronan’s, xx. The mortar and stone of the most approved builder.

9

  † 2.  Proved, convicted. Obs.

10

1599.  Shaks., Much Ado, IV. i. 45. To knit my soul to an approued wanton.

11

1635.  Swan, Spec. Mundi, i. § 3 (1643), 11. Approved liars.

12

  3.  Pronounced good; justified, sanctioned, commended, esteemed.

13

1667.  Milton, P. L., VI. 36. To stand approv’d in sight of God.

14

1690.  Locke, Hum. Und., III. v. 208. To have sometimes very good and approved Words in their Mouths.

15

1737.  Whiston, Josephus’ Wars, I. i. § 2. The most approved among them were put to death.

16

  4.  Approved-of: regarded with commendation.

17

1670.  Eachard, Contempt Clergy, 22. An approved-of cobler or tinker.

18