trial

(trīˈəl, trīl)

1. Law Examination of evidence and applicable law by a competent tribunal to determine the issue of specified charges or claims.
2. a. The act or process of testing, trying, or putting to the proof: a trial of one's faith.
   b. An instance of such testing, especially as part of a series of tests or experiments: a clinical trial of a drug.
3. An effort or attempt: succeeded on the third trial.
4. A state of pain or anguish that tests patience, endurance, or belief: “the fiery trial through which we pass” (Abraham Lincoln).
5. A trying, troublesome, or annoying person or thing: The child was a trial to his parents.
6. A preliminary competition or test to determine qualifications, as in a sport.

1. Of, relating to, or used in a trial.
2. Attempted or advanced on a provisional or experimental basis: a trial separation.
3. Made or done in the course of a trial or test.