probation Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun a trial period during which your character and abilities are tested to see whether you are suitable for work or for membership
noun a trial period during which an offender has time to redeem himself or herself
noun (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

L. probatio, fr. probare to try, examine, prove: cf. F. probation. See Prove.

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.
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.