Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Trial
1.
The act of trying or testing in any manner.
Specifically: –(a)
Any effort or exertion of strength for the purpose of ascertaining what can be done or effected.
[I] defy thee to the
trial
of mortal fight. Milton.
(b)
The act of testing by experience; proof; test.
Repeated
trials
of the issues and events of actions. Bp. Wilkins.
(c)
Examination by a test; experiment, as in chemistry, metallurgy, etc.
2.
The state of being tried or tempted; exposure to suffering that tests strength, patience, faith, or the like; affliction or temptation that exercises and proves the graces or virtues of men.
Others had
trial
of cruel mockings and scourgings. Heb. xi. 36.
3.
That which tries or afflicts; that which harasses; that which tries the character or principles; that which tempts to evil;
as, his child’s conduct was a sore
. trial
Every station is exposed to some
trials
. Rogers.
4.
(Law)
The formal examination of the matter in issue in a cause before a competent tribunal; the mode of determining a question of fact in a court of law; the examination, in legal form, of the facts in issue in a cause pending before a competent tribunal, for the purpose of determining such issue.
And millions miss for one that hits.
Swift.
Webster 1828 Edition
Trial
TRI'AL
,Noun.
1.
Examination by a test; experiment; as in chimistry and metallurgy.2.
Experiment; act of examining by experience. In gardening and agriculture, we learn by trial what land will produce; and often, repeated trials are necessary.3.
Experience; suffering that puts strength, patience of faith to the test; afflictions or temptations that exercise and prove the graces or virtues of men. Others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings. Heb.11.
4.
In law, the examination of a cause in controversy between parties, before a proper tribunal. Trials are civil or criminal. Trial in civil causes, may be by record or inspection; it may be by witnesses and jury, or by the court. By the laws of England and of the United States, trial by jury, in criminal cases, is held sacred. No criminal can be legally deprived of that privilege.5.
Temptation; test of virtue. Every station is exposed to some trials.
6.
State of being tried.