Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Probation
1.
The act of proving; also, that which proves anything; proof.
[Obs.]
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;
Hence, specifically: as, to engage a person on
. probation
(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 [view of human life] seems so reasonable as that which regards it as a state of
probation
. Paley.
Webster 1828 Edition
Probation
PROBA'TION
,Noun.
1.
Trial; examination; any proceeding designed to ascertain truth; in universities, the examination of a student, as to his qualifications for a degree.2.
In a monastic sense, trial or the year of novitiate,which a person must pass in a convent, to prove his virtue and his ability to bear the severities of the rule.3.
Moral trial; the state of man in the present life, in which he has the opportunity of proving his character and being qualified for a happier state. Probation will end with the present life.
4.
In America, the trial of a clergyman's qualifications as a minister of the gospel, preparatory to his settlement. We say, a man is preaching on probation.5.
In general, trial for proof, or satisfactory evidence, or the time of trial.