Category:Probation

Pro*ba"tion, n. Etym: [l. probatio, fr. probare to try, examine, Prove: cf. F. probation. See prove.]

1. The act of proving; also, that which proves anything; proof. [obs.] When by miracle god dispensed great gifts to the laity,. . . he gave Probation that he intended that all should prophesy and preach. Jer. Taylor.

2. Any proceeding designed to ascertain truth, to determine Character, qualification, etc.; examination; trial; as, to engage a Person on probation. Hence, specifically: (a) 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. (b) the trial of a ministerial Candidate's qualifications prior to his ordination, or to his Settlement as a pastor. (c) 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. No [view of human life] seems so reasonable as that which regards it As a state of probation. Paley.