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.
Pro*ba"tion*al (?), a. Probationary.
Pro*ba"tion*a*ry (?), a. Of or pertaining to probation; serving for
trial.
To consider this life . . . as a probationary state.
Paley.
Pro*ba"tion*er (?), n.