PROBATION

probation

(noun) (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

(noun) a trial period during which an offender has time to redeem himself or herself

probation

(noun) a trial period during which your character and abilities are tested to see whether you are suitable for work or for membership

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

probation (countable and uncountable, plural probations)

A period of time when a person occupies a position only conditionally and may easily be removed for poor performance

(legal) A type of sentence where convicted criminals are allowed to continue living in the community but will automatically be sent to jail if they violate certain conditions

(archaic) The act of testing; proof

• William Shakespeare, Hamlet, lines 148-156,

Source: Wiktionary

Pro*ba"tion, n. Etym: [L. probatio, fr. probare to try, examine, prove: cf. F. probation. See Prove.]

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; 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 [view of human life] seems so reasonable as that which regards it as a state of probation. Paley.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition