from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Ratify \Rat"i*fy\ (r[a^]t"[i^]*f[imac]), v. t. [imp. & p. p.
{Ratified} (r[a^]t"[i^]*f[imac]d); p. pr. & vb. n.
{Ratifying} (r[a^]t"[i^]*f[imac]`[i^]ng).] [F. ratifier, fr.
L. ratus fixed by calculation, firm, valid + -ficare (in
comp.) to make. See {Rate}, n., and {-fy}.]
To approve and sanction; to make valid; to confirm; to
establish; to settle; especially, to give sanction to, as
something done by an agent or servant; as, to ratify an
agreement, treaty, or contract; to ratify a nomination.
[1913 Webster]
It is impossible for the divine power to set a seal to
a lie by ratifying an imposture with such a miracle.
--South.
[1913 Webster]