trial

The definition of a trial is a hearing in a court case, a test or a hardship.

(noun)

An example of trial is the court case of an accused robber.
An example of trial is the use of a small size bottle of shampoo to sample the product.
An example of trial is a physical obstacle course.

See trial in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

1. the act or process of trying, testing, or putting to the proof; test
2. a testing of qualifications, attainments, or progress; probation
3. experimental treatment or operation; experiment
1. the fact or state of being tried by suffering, temptation, etc.
2. a hardship, suffering, etc. that tries one's endurance
3. a person or thing that is a source of annoyance or irritation
a formal examination of the facts of a case by a court of law to decide the validity of a charge or claim
an attempt; endeavor; effort

Origin: Anglo-Fr < trier: see try

adjective

See trial in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

Law Examination of evidence and applicable law by a competent tribunal to determine the issue of specified charges or claims.
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.
An effort or attempt: succeeded on the third trial.
A state of pain or anguish that tests patience, endurance, or belief: “the fiery trial through which we pass” (Abraham Lincoln).
A trying, troublesome, or annoying person or thing: The child was a trial to his parents.
A preliminary competition or test to determine qualifications, as in a sport.

adjective

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

Origin:

Origin: Middle English triall, a testing

Origin: , from Anglo-Norman trial

Origin: , from trier, to sort, try

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