Probation /(?)/

Pro·ba·tion

Probation

n.
  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.
  2. Any proceeding designed to ascertain truth, to determine character, qualification, etc.; examination; trial; as, to engage a person on probation.
    No [view of human life] seems so reasonable as that which regards it as a state of probation.