approbation

/ˌa-prə-ˈbā-shən/

noun

  1. commendation, praise

  2. an act of approving formally or officially

  3. proof

a plan that has won the approbation of the mayor

noun

  1. satisfaction with oneself or one's actions and achievements : approbation of oneself

Dull as he was, he had no small share of quiet self-approbation.