Test

test, n. a pot in which metals are tried and refined: any critical trial: means of trial: ( chem. ) anything used to distinguish substances or detect their presence, a reagent: standard: proof: distinction: a witne , testimony: the hard covering of certain animals, shield, lorica.— v.t. to put to proof: to examine critically.— ns. Test′-pā′per , a bibulous paper saturated with some chemical compound that readily changes colour when exposed to certain other chemicals; Test′-plate , a white plate or tile on which to try vitrifiable colours by heat: a gla plate with a series of finely ruled lines used in testing the resolving power of microscopic objectives; Test′-tube , a cylinder of thin gla closed at one end, used in testing liquids.— n.pl. Test′-types , letters or words in type of different sizes for testing the sight.— Test Acts , acts meant to secure that none but rightly affected persons and members of the established religion shall hold office—especially those of 1673 and 1685. [O. Fr. test —L. testa , an earthen pot.]