Probation

n.	1.
	1.	The act of proving; also, that which proves anything; proof. 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. No [view of human life] seems so reasonable as that which regards it as a state of probation. - Paley.

Noun	1.	probation - a trial period during which your character and abilities are tested to see whether you are suitable for work or for membership
	2.	probation - a trial period during which an offender has time to redeem himself or herself
	3.	probation - (law) a way of dealing with offenders without imprisoning them; a defendant found guilty of a crime is released by the court without imprisonment subject to conditions imposed by the court; "probation is part of the sentencing process"

PROBATION. The evidence which proves a thing. It is either by record, writing, the party's own oath, or the testimony of witnesses. Proof. (q.v.) It also signifies the time of a novitiate; a trial. Nov. 5.

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