2  definitions  found 
 
  From  Webster's  Revised  Unabridged  Dictionary  (1913)  [web1913]: 
 
  Probation  \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.  [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. 
 
  From  WordNet  r  1.6  [wn]: 
 
  probation 
  n  :  the  act  of  liberating  on  probation 

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