Pro‐ba″tion (?), n. [L. probatio, fr. probare to try, examine, prove: cf. F. probation. See Prove.]
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. 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.
No seems so reasonable as that which regards it as a state of probation. Paley.