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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Probation \Pro*ba"tion\, n. [L. probatio, fr. probare to try,
examine, prove: cf. F. probation. See {Prove}.]
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1. The act of proving; also, that which proves anything;
proof. [Obs.]
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When by miracle God dispensed great gifts to the
laity, . . . he gave probation that he intended that
all should prophesy and preach. --Jer. Taylor.
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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.
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No [view of human life] seems so reasonable as
that which regards it as a state of probation.
--Paley.
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