n. 1 Law a system of suspending the sentence on an offender subject to a period of good behaviour under supervision. 2 a process or period of testing the character or abilities of a person in a certain role, esp. of a new employee. 3 a moral trial or discipline. on probation undergoing probation, esp. legal supervision. probation officer an official supervising offenders on probation. probational adj. probationary adj.
[ ME f. OF probation or L probatio (as PROVE) ]