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Probation - Dictionary Definition and Overview |
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Probation : (noun)
1: a trial period during which your character and abilities are
tested to see whether you are suitable for work or for
membership
2: a trial period during which an offender has time to redeem
himself or herself
3: (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"
Based on WordNet 2.0
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Probation : \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.
Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
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PROBATION. The evidence which proves a thing. It is either by record,
writing, the party's own oath, or the testimony of witnesses. Proof. (q.v.)
It also signifies the time of a novitiate; a trial. Nov. 5.
Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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