examen Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a detailed inspection of your conscience (as done daily by Jesuits)
    examination.
  2. noun a critical study (as of a writer's work)

WordNet

Ex*a"men noun
Etymology
L., the tongue of a balance, examination; for exagmen, fr. exigere to weigh accurately, to treat: cf. F. examen. See Exact, a.
Definitions
  1. Examination; inquiry. R. "A critical examen of the two pieces." Cowper.

Webster 1913