WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Tri"al
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [From Try.]
Definition : 1. The act of trying or testing in any manner. Specifically: -- (a) Any effort or exertion of strength for the purpose of ascertaining what can be done or effected. [I] defy thee to the trial of mortal fight. Milton.

(b) The act of testing by experience; proof; test. Repeated trials of the issues and events of actions. Bp. Wilkins.

(c) Examination by a test; experiment, as in chemistry, metallurgy, etc.

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. Others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings. Heb. xi. 36.

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. Every station is exposed to some trials. Rogers.

4. (Law)

Defn: 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.

Syn. -- Test; attempt; endeavor; effort; experiment; proof; essay. See Test, and Attempt.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913