SUFFRAGE

suffrage. suffrage, consent, or voice, or helpe

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suffrage. Suffrage, n. a vote, voice, approbation

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Suf″frage (?), n. [[F., fr. L. suffragium; perhaps originally, a broken piece, a potsherd, used in voting, and fr. sub under + the root of frangere to break. See Break.]] 1. 1. A vote 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. 2. 2. Testimony; attestation; witness; approval.
Lactantius and St. Austin confirm by their suffrage the observation made by heathen writers. Atterbury. Every miracle is the suffrage of Heaven to the truth of a doctrine. South. 3. 3. (Eccl.) (a) A short petition, as those after the creed in matins and evensong. (b) A prayer in general, as one offered for the faithful departed. Shipley.
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. 4. 4. Aid; assistance.