It derives from the ancient Roman word acclamatio, a kind of ritual greeting and expression of approval towards imperial officials in certain social contexts.
The last instance of an acclamation in an election to the House of Commons of Canada was in 1957, when George Doucett was acclaimed in a by-election following the death of his predecessor William Gourlay Blair.
[2] In the Northwest Territories riding of Inuvik Boot Lake, Floyd Roland was returned by acclamation in two consecutive elections, in 2003 and 2007.
[3] Acclamations were ritual verbal expressions of approval and benediction in public (like gladiatorial games) and private life.
In the later Roman Empire, expressions of goodwill were reserved for the emperor and certain relatives, who were greeted in this manner during public appearances on special occasions such as their birthdays.