Ratify, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Ratified; p. pr. & vb. n. Ratifying.]
Etymology: [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 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. It is impossible for the divine power to set a seal to a lie by ratifying an imposture with such a miracle. South.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for ratify; he lists it under confirm.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.