The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Ratify \Rat"i*fy\ (r[a^]t"[i^]*f[imac]), v. t. [imp. & p. p.
   Ratified (r[a^]t"[i^]*f[imac]d); p. pr. & vb. n.
   Ratifying (r[a^]t"[i^]*f[imac]`[i^]ng).] [F. ratifier, fr.
   L. ratus fixed by calculation, firm, valid + -ficare (in
   comp.) to make. See Rate, n., and -fy.]
   To approve and sanction; to make valid; to confirm; to
   establish; to settle; especially, to give sanction to, as
   something done by an agent or servant; as, to ratify an
   agreement, treaty, or contract; to ratify a nomination.
   [1913 Webster]

         It is impossible for the divine power to set a seal to
         a lie by ratifying an imposture with such a miracle.
                                                  --South.
   [1913 Webster]