probation, probacyon

[Fr. probation, from Lat. probationem, acc us. of probatio =a proving; probatus, pa. par. of probo to prove (q. v.); Sp.probacion; Ital. prob azione.] *1. The act of proving; proof. ( Fox : Martyrs, P. 12.) *2. That which proves anything; evidence, proof. "Bryng fourth your honest probacyons , and ye shall be heard." -Bale : Apologie , fol. 92. 3. Any proceeding designed to ascertain truth, to determine character, qualifications, and the like; trial, examination; as, to engage a person on pro bation . Especially applied to (1) Novitiate; the time of trial which a person must pa in a religious house to prove his or her fitne morally and physically to bear the severities of the rule. "I, in probation of a sisterhood, Was sent to by my brother." Shakesp.: Measure for Measure, v. 1. probity (2) Moral trial; the state of man in this present life, in which he has the opportunity of proving his character and becoming qualified for a happier state. "Of the various views under which human life has been considered, no one seems so reasonable as that which regards it as a state of probation ; meaning, by a state of probation , a state calculated for trying us, and for improving."-Paley: Sermons, No. 33. (3) The trial of a ministerial candidate's qualifications previous to his settlement in a pastoral charge. (4) The examination of a student for a degree. *probation-robe, s. The dre given to novices in religious and military orders. "I'll send you a probation - robe ; wear that Till you shall please to be our brother." Beaum. & Flet.: Knight of Malta , iii. 5. prō-bā'-tion-al, a. [ Eng.probation ; -al.] Serv ing for probation or trial; probationary. "A state of purgation they imagined to consist of a probational fire." - Wheatley: Common Prayer , ch. vi.