(n.) The act of proving; also, that which proves anything;
proof.
(n.) Any proceeding designed to ascertain truth, to determine
character, qualification, etc.; examination; trial; as, to engage a
person on probation.
(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.
(n.) The trial of a ministerial candidate's qualifications
prior to his ordination, or to his settlement as a pastor.
(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.
