- probation
- early 15c., "trial, experiment, test," from O.Fr. probacion (14c.), from L. probationem (nom. probatio) "inspection, examination," noun of action from probare "to test" (see prove). Meaning "testing of a person's conduct" is from early 15c.; theological sense first recorded 1520s; criminal justice sense is first recorded in U.S. c.1878.