1.Definition: a mechanism of social control for enforcing a society's standards

Category: General

2.Definition: formal and explicit approval

Related Noun(s):countenance, endorsement, imprimatur, indorsement, warrant

Category: General

3.Definition: official permission or approval

Related Noun(s):authorisation, authority, authorization

Category: General

4.Definition: the act of final authorization

"It had the sanction of the church"

Category: General