2. Having more evidence for than against; supported by evidence which
inclines the mind to believe, but leaves some room for doubt; likely.
That is accounted probable which has better arguments producible
for it than can be brought against it.
South.
I do not say that the principles of religion are merely probable; I
have before asserted them to be morally certain.
Bp. Wilkins.
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3. Rendering probable; supporting, or giving ground for, belief, but
not demonstrating; as, probable evidence; probable presumption.
Blackstone.
Probable cause (Law), a reasonable ground of presumption that a charge
is, or my be, well founded. - - Probable error (of an observation, or
of the mean of a number), that within which, taken positively and
negatively, there is an even chance that the real error shall lie.
Thus, if 3″ is the probable error in a given case, the chances
that the real error is greater than 3″ are equal to the chances
that it is less. The probable error is computed from the observations
made, and is used to express their degree of accuracy. -- The probable,
that which is within the bounds of probability; that which is not
unnatural or preternatural; -- opposed to the marvelous.
Prob"a*bly (?), adv. In a probable manner; in likelihood.
Distinguish between what may possibly and what will probably be
done.
L'Estrange.
Pro"ba*cy (?), n. [See Probate.] Proof; trial. [Obs.] Chaucer.
Pro"bal (?), a. Approved; probable. [Obs.] Shak.
Pro*bal"i*ty (?), n. Probability. [Obs.] "With as great probality."
Holland.
Pro"bang (?), n. [See Probe.] A slender elastic rod, as of whalebone,
with a sponge on the end, for removing obstructions from the esophagus,
etc.
Pro"bate (?), n. [From L. probatus, p. p. of probare to prove. See
Prove.]