'Probation' definitions:

Definition of 'probation'

From: WordNet
noun
A trial period during which your character and abilities are tested to see whether you are suitable for work or for membership
noun
A trial period during which an offender has time to redeem himself or herself
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"

Definition of 'Probation'

From: GCIDE
  • Probation \Pro*ba"tion\, n. [L. probatio, fr. probare to try, examine, prove: cf. F. probation. See Prove.] [1913 Webster]
  • 1. The act of proving; also, that which proves anything; proof. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
  • When by miracle God dispensed great gifts to the laity, . . . he gave probation that he intended that all should prophesy and preach. --Jer. Taylor. [1913 Webster]
  • 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. [1913 Webster]
  • No [view of human life] seems so reasonable as that which regards it as a state of probation. --Paley. [1913 Webster]

Synonyms of 'probation'

From: Moby Thesaurus

Words containing 'Probation'