n.
Pronunciation: pr ō - ' b ā -sh ə n
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English probacioun, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French probation, from Latin probation-, probatio, from probare
Date: 15th century
1 : critical examination and evaluation or subjection to such examination and evaluation
2 a : subjection of an individual to a period of testing and trial to ascertain fitness (as for a job or school) b : the action of suspending the sentence of a convicted offender and giving the offender freedom during good behavior under the supervision of a probation officer c : the state or a period of being subject to probation
– pro · ba · tion · al \ -shn ə l, -sh ə -n ə l \ adjective
– pro · ba · tion · al · ly adverb
– pro · ba · tion · ary \ -sh ə - ˌ ner- ē \ adjective