\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.