Proof (?), n. [OF. prove, proeve, F. preuve, fr. L. proba, fr. probare to prove. See Prove.]
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1. Any effort, process, or operation designed to establish or discover a fact or truth; an act of testing; a test; a trial.
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For whatsoever mother wit or art
Could work, he put in proof. Spenser.
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You shall have many proofs to show your skill. Ford.
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Formerly, a very rude mode of ascertaining the strength of spirits was practiced, called the proof. Ure.
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2. That degree of evidence which convinces the mind of any truth or fact, and produces belief; a test by facts or arguments that induce, or tend to induce, certainty of the judgment; conclusive evidence; demonstration.
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I'll have some proof. Shak.
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It is no proof of a man's understanding to be able to confirm whatever he pleases. Emerson.
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&hand_; Properly speaking, proof is the effect or result of evidence, evidence is the medium of proof. Cf. Demonstration, 1.
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3. The quality or state of having been proved or tried; firmness or hardness that resists impression, or does not yield to force; impenetrability of physical bodies.
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4. Firmness of mind; stability not to be shaken.
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5. (Print.) A trial impression, as from type, taken for correction or examination; -- called also proof sheet.
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6. (Math.) A process for testing the accuracy of an operation performed. Cf. Prove, v. t., 5.
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7. Armor of excellent or tried quality, and deemed impenetrable; properly, armor of proof. [Obs.] Shak.
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Artist's proof, a very early proof impression of an engraving, or the like; -- often distinguished by the artist's signature. -- Proof reader, one who reads, and marks correction in, proofs. See def. 5, above.
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Syn. -- Testimony; evidence; reason; argument; trial; demonstration. See Testimony.
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