ACCLAMATION (

See also:

• LAT

Lat. acclamatio, a shouting at)  , in deliberative or electoral assemblies, a spontaneous shout of approval or praise . Acclamation is thus the adoption of a resolution or the passing of a vote of confidence or choice unanimously, in direct distinction from a formal ballot or division . In the Roman senate opinions were expressed and votes passed by acclamation in such forms as Omnes, omnes, Aequum est, Justum est, &c.; and the praises of the emperor were celebrated in certain pre-arranged sentences, which seem 'to have been chanted by the whole body of senators . In ecclesiastical councils vote by acclamation is very common, the question being usually put in the form, placet or non placet . The Sacred College has sometimes elected popes by acclamation, when the cardinals simultaneously and without any previous consultation " acclaimed " one of their number as pontiff . A further ecclesiastical use of the word is in its application to set forms of praise or thanksgiving in church services, the stereotyped responses of the congregation . In modern parliamentary usage a motion is carried by acclamation when, no amendment being proposed, approval is expressed by shouting such words as Aye or Agreed .