Read the following excerpt from "The Contest" by Arthur Conan Doyle:
Some did no more than give forth a low deep hum of speechless appreciation. Some clapped with enthusiasm. Some, rising from approbation into absolute frenzy, shrieked, stamped, and beat sticks upon the benches. Some—and they were the most effective—had learned from an Alexandrian a long droning musical note which they all uttered together, so that it boomed over the assembly.
Based on the context of the passage, which definition most clearly fits the word approbation?
an uncontrollable, surprised reaction to an event
a ridiculous, and typically false, claim about something
a favorable opinion about something or someone
a loud festival filled with music and games

Approbation means approval, acceptance or praise. As a consequence, according to the excerpt from "The Contest," the author Arthur Conan Doyle intends to describe some of Emperor Nero's followers, who admire and acclaim him during the congretation. In fact, they exhibit their appreciation for Nero by shouting, kicking and hitting the benches.

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