Trial (?), n. [From Try.] 1. The act of trying or testing in any manner. Specifically: --
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(a) Any effort or exertion of strength for the purpose of ascertaining what can be done or effected.
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[I] defy thee to the trial of mortal fight. Milton.
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(b) The act of testing by experience; proof; test.
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Repeated trials of the issues and events of actions. Bp. Wilkins.
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(c) Examination by a test; experiment, as in chemistry, metallurgy, etc.
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2. The state of being tried or tempted; exposure to suffering that tests strength, patience, faith, or the like; affliction or temptation that exercises and proves the graces or virtues of men.
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Others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings. Heb. xi. 36.
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3. That which tries or afflicts; that which harasses; that which tries the character or principles; that which tempts to evil; as, his child's conduct was a sore trial.
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Every station is exposed to some trials. Rogers.
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4. (Law) The formal examination of the matter in issue in a cause before a competent tribunal; the mode of determining a question of fact in a court of law; the examination, in legal form, of the facts in issue in a cause pending before a competent tribunal, for the purpose of determining such issue.
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Syn. -- Test; attempt; endeavor; effort; experiment; proof; essay. See Test, and Attempt.
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