trial
• noun 1 a formal examination of evidence in order to decide guilt in a case of criminal or civil proceedings. 2 a test of performance, qualities, or suitability. 3 (trials) an event in which horses or dogs compete or perform. 4 something that tests a person’s endurance or forbearance. • verb (trialled, trialling; US trialed, trialing) 1 test (something) to assess its suitability or performance. 2 (of a horse or dog) compete in trials. — PHRASES on trial 1 being tried in a court of law. 2 undergoing tests or scrutiny. trial and error the process of experimenting with various methods until one finds the most successful. — ORIGIN Latin triallum.
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