Dictionary 1. (n.) The act of proving; a period of time during which one's character or fitness is tested\.2. (n.) Any proceeding designed to ascertain truth, to determine character, qualification, etc.; examination; trial; as, to engage a person on probation. 3. (n.) The novitiate which a person must pass in a convent, to probe his or her virtue and ability to bear the severities of the rule. 4. (n.) The trial of a ministerial candidate's qualifications prior to his ordination, or to his settlement as a pastor. 5. (n.) Moral trial; the state of man in the present life, in which he has the opportunity of proving his character, and becoming qualified for a happier state. Thesaurus acid test assay blank determination brouillon criterion crucial test crucible determination docimasy essay feeling out first draft kiteflying ordeal proof rough draft rough sketch sounding out standard test test case touchstone trial try verification |