APPROVEMENT

approvement.  1.English  law.  The  right  of  an  owner  of  common  lands  to  enclose  them

partially and receive income arising from them. • This right — originally granted by the Statute of

Merton  (1235)  —  is  still  available,  but  a  landowner  seeking  to  approve  land  must  receive  the

government’s  consent  to  do  so.  2.Hist.  The  act  of  avoiding  a  capital  conviction  by  accusing  an

accomplice; turning king’s evidence. [Blacks Law 8th]