'approbator' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'approbator', from the verb 'approbare' meaning 'to approve' (from ad- 'to/toward' + probare 'to test, prove').

'approbator' passed into Late Latin/Medieval Latin as 'approbator' (meaning 'one who approves') and was later adopted into English with its current form and sense.

Initially related to 'proving' or 'testing' (from Latin 'probare'), the sense shifted toward 'giving approval' so that the modern meaning is 'one who approves or sanctions'.