O-vā'tion, n.

n. [Lat. ovatio, from ovare, to exult, rejoice, to triumph in an ovation; Fr. ovation, Sp. ovacion, It. ovazione.]

1. (Rom. Antiq.) A lesser triumph allowed to a commander for a victory not deserving a triumph, in the strict sense.
2. Hence, an expression of popular homage; the tribute of the multitude to one who is a public favorite.