DCHP-3

acclamation

DCHP-2 (Sep 2016)
1an. — in lexicalized phrase by acclamation, usually Politics

(elected) without opposition.

Type: 3. Semantic Change — The sense of 'election to an assembly by overwhelming or unanimous assent' (see OED-3, s.v. acclamation, def. 3b) has specialized in Canada to mean 'election by virtue of being unopposed'. The lexicalized phrase by acclamation seems to have been the earliest form with that particular meaning; it is attested from the early 19th century (see the 1827 citation in meaning 1a). In the later part of that century, acclamation took on this sense alone (see meaning 1b). Rare forms still exist today (meaning 2). The verb form acclaim is a 20th-century development.
See also Gage-1, s.v. "acclamation" (3), which is marked "Cdn." and OED-3, s.v. "acclamation" (P1), which is marked "Canad.".

Quotations

1827
It would appear that the friends of Mr. Papineau intended that the election should be carried unanimously, and by acclamation, in his favor; and, notwithstanding the nomination of Mr. Vallieres, [they] seemed to look down on any division in the body.
1845
Dr. Simpson then said his friend Dr. Clarke had suggested that she should undertake a duty for which he felt himself quite inadequate. He might state to the house that he had many personal objections to his nomination... Dr. Simpson having signified his acquiescence, he was then, by acclamation, appointed a member of the deputation.
1854
Did you act as Returning Officer for the said County of Bagot for and during the said Election? - Yes, I acted as Returning Officer, except on the day of Proclamation, when I was elected by acclamation, and the Election Clerk proclaimed as such, but I signed the Indenture.
1855
In Ottawa County, the politically independent John Egan won by acclamation after the only other candidate withdrew, and after Egan had endorsed the leading reform measures.
1879
Sir John A. Macdonald proposed, and Sir George E. Cartier seconded the appointment of the Hon. James Cockburn, member for West Northumberland, who had been solicitor-General for Upper Canada in the old Parliament. No other nomination was made, and Mr. Cockburn was elected by acclamation.
1917
All the members of the 1916 Council who presented themselves for re-election had been returned by acclamation thus showing the satisfaction of the electors with the work done during such an unfavorable season.
1937
EIGHT GO INTO OFFICE BY ACCLAMATION Climaxing one of the most intensive and hard-fought campaigns in years a record number of Varsity students trooped to the polls last Wednesday to indicate their preference for the leaders of the Students' union for next year. Eight out of fifteen positions on the council were uncontested.
1964
Winnipeg Mayor Stephen Juba Wednesday became the first mayor from this city to be elected by acclamation in nearly a quarter of a century.
2008
The Liberals didn't field a candidate in the June byelection in Cumberland. The race to succeed Karwacki ended up attracting little attention as Bater ended up winning by acclamation as the only candidate. A November convention to formalize his leadership was postponed until February because of the fall federal election.
2010
When not in uniform and back home in Oromocto, Comeau sits as one of two councillors for Ward 2. The other Ward 2 representative is his wife Shelley, the town's deputy mayor, who took the seat by acclamation in a byelection last year.
2015
Congratulations to the following Nominees who have been elected by acclamation: Chair, Member Services & Grievance: Margaret Wright, Social Work [...]
1bn. — usually Politics

the election of a candidate without opposition.

Type: 3. Semantic Change — Shortening of earlier by acclamation. See meaning 1a.
See also Gage-1, s.v. "acclamation" (4), which is marked "Cdn", ITP Nelson, s.v. "acclamation" (3), which is marked "Canadian" and OED-3, s.v. "acclamation" (4), which is marked "Canad.".
See: acclaim

Quotations

1885
Mr. Archambault being unseated, a new election took place 19 June 1884: Alfred Lapointe ... Acclamation.
1911
The new officers of the Council as returned in yesterday's elections are as follows: Hon. President, Dr. H.M. Tory; [...] Secretary Athletic Association, A.L. Caldwell, (acclamation.)
1960
To date, the outspoken housewife who has served six years as reeve, is unopposed. But Mrs. Curtis is not counting on an acclamation. "There is always someone to oppose me," she said yesterday.
1964
Acclamations have filled all students' council positions vacated through resignations but one.
1987
Cada said Tuesday that this year's lacklustre election competition was a sign the warden's selection process is in poor health. Varga, he charged, only ran to prevent an acclamation.
2008
Rae cut a solitary figure crossing the snow-laden lawns of Parliament Hill as soon as Ignatieff was installed as leader. Praised by many MPs after he cleared the way for an acclamation by bowing out of the race, Rae avoided scrums with reporters but said in a brief interview the acclamation was upbeat.
2n., in lexicalized phrase with acclamation — now rare, usually Politics

the election of a candidate without opposition.

Type: 3. Semantic Change — See meanings 1a and 1b.
See also OED-3, s.v. "acclamation" (P2).

Quotations

1844
Yesterday, the election was held for this County, when Jacob De Witt, Esq. a strong supporter of the late Ministers, was returned with acclamation.
2008
She said that even with acclamation, her mandate would be determined after discussing current issues with the new council, but she also added she did not expect things to greatly differ from the previous council.

References

  • OED-3
  • Gage-1
  • ITP Nelson