probationn.[L. probatio, fr. probare to try, examine, prove: cf. F. probation. See Prove.]()1. The act of proving; also, that which proves anything; proof.()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.()No [view of human life] seems so reasonable as that which regards it as a state of probation. (Paley.)