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.
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.
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. 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.
Aid; assistance.
[A Latinism] [Obs.]
5.
The right to vote; franchise.
© Webster 1913.
Suf"frage, v. t.
To vote for; to elect.
[Obs.]
Milton.
© Webster 1913.