1. A lesser
kind of triumph allowed to a commander for an light,
bloodless victory, or a victory over slaves.
2. Hence: An
expression of public homage; the
tribute of the multitude to a popular favorite. "To
rain an April of
ovation round Their statues." (Tennyson)
Origin: L. Ovatio, fr. Ovare to exult, rejoice, triumph in an ovation; cf. Gr. To shout: cf. F. Ovation.
Source: Websters Vocabulary