probation

Meaning

Noun

• A period of time when a person occupies a position only conditionally and may easily be removed for poor performance
• A type of sentence where convicted criminals are allowed to continue living in the community but will automatically be sent to jail if they violate certain conditions
• The act of testing; proof

Origin

• From Middle French probation, from Old French probacion, from Latin probatio, from probare, past participle probatus; see probate, probe, prove.