'Trial' definitions:

Definition of 'trial'

From: WordNet
noun
The act of testing something; "in the experimental trials the amount of carbon was measured separately"; "he called each flip of the coin a new trial" [syn: test, trial, run]
noun
Trying something to find out about it; "a sample for ten days free trial"; "a trial of progesterone failed to relieve the pain" [syn: trial, trial run, test, tryout]
noun
The act of undergoing testing; "he survived the great test of battle"; "candidates must compete in a trial of skill" [syn: test, trial]
noun
(law) the determination of a person's innocence or guilt by due process of law; "he had a fair trial and the jury found him guilty"; "most of these complaints are settled before they go to trial"
noun
(sports) a preliminary competition to determine qualifications; "the trials for the semifinals began yesterday"
noun
An annoying or frustrating or catastrophic event; "his mother-in-law's visits were a great trial for him"; "life is full of tribulations"; "a visitation of the plague" [syn: trial, tribulation, visitation]

Definition of 'Trial'

From: GCIDE
  • Trial \Tri"al\, n. [From Try.]
  • 1. The act of trying or testing in any manner. Specifically:
  • [1913 Webster] (a) Any effort or exertion of strength for the purpose of ascertaining what can be done or effected. [1913 Webster]
  • [I] defy thee to the trial of mortal fight. --Milton. [1913 Webster] (b) The act of testing by experience; proof; test. [1913 Webster]
  • Repeated trials of the issues and events of actions. --Bp. Wilkins. [1913 Webster] (c) Examination by a test; experiment, as in chemistry, metallurgy, etc. [1913 Webster]
  • 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. [1913 Webster]
  • Others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings. --Heb. xi. 36. [1913 Webster]
  • 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. [1913 Webster]
  • Every station is exposed to some trials. --Rogers. [1913 Webster]
  • 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. [1913 Webster]
  • Syn: Test; attempt; endeavor; effort; experiment; proof; essay. See Test, and Attempt. [1913 Webster]

Synonyms of 'trial'

From: Moby Thesaurus