1a n. — 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.".
1b n. — 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 also: acclaim
2 n., 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).