Green’s Dictionary of Slang

appro n.1

In phrases

on appro (adv.) [abbr. SE on approval]

on sale or return.

Show quotations
[UK]Sl. Dict. 74: Most of the extensive show of chains, watches, and trinkets in a shop window is obtained ‘on appro’, i.e., ‘on sale or return’.
[UK]Sheffield Eve. Teleg. 3 June 2/6: [headline] A Choice of Wife ‘On Appro’.
[Aus]Sun. Times (Perth) 29 Apr. 1/1: Some Wellington-street flossies have a novel way of choosing lingerie [...] they despatch the yard boy for the goods on appro.
[UK]A. Binstead Mop Fair 216: The proprietors of les Grands Magasins do not cordially endorse the system of sending out their stock ‘on appro’.
[Scot]Dundee Courier 18 July 3/3: [headline] Rationed Clothes ‘On Appro’.
[Aus]D. Niland Shiralee 141: I’m not asking for charity [...] Just a little help on appro.
[Ire]P. Boyle At Night All Cats Are Grey 95: You didn’t get that coffin out on appro. You bought it from me for five pounds, ten. Right?
[Ire]J.B. Keane Letters of Irish Parish Priest 78: I got eight pairs altogether on appro.
[NZ] McGill Reed Dict. of N.Z. Sl.