Tri"al (?), n. [From Try.]
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
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.
© Webster 1913.