suffrage

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. 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

I ask your voices and your suffrages. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Testimony; attestation; witness; approval. [ 1913 Webster ]

Lactantius and St. Austin confirm by their suffrage the observation made by heathen writers. Atterbury. [ 1913 Webster ]

Every miracle is the suffrage of Heaven to the truth of a doctrine. South. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. Aid; assistance. [ A Latinism ] [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

5. The right to vote; franchise. [ PJC ]