- probation
- c.1412, "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 1432; theological sense first recorded 1526; criminal justice sense is first recorded in U.S. c.1878.