Sŭf'frage, n.

n. [Lat. suffragium, Fr. suffrage, It. suffragio, Sp. suffragio.]

1Sense 1. A voice given in deciding a controverted question, or in the choice of a man for an office or trust; the formal expression of an opinion; assent; vote.

I ask your voices and your suffrages. Shak.

2Sense 2. Testimonial; attestation; witness; approval.

Lactantius and St. Austin confirm by their suffrages the observation made by heathen writers. Athenagor.

Every miracle is the suffrage of Heaven to the truth of a doctrine. South.

3Sense 3. The expression of assent on the part of a congregation to a petition as uttered by a minister; united response or prayer.

I firmly believe that there is a purgatory, and that the souls therein detained are helped by the suffrages of the faithful. Creed of Pope Pius IV.

4Sense 4. Aid; assistance. [A Latinism.] [Obs.]