1. • noun - the act of testing something
   • noun - trying something to find out about it
   • noun - the act of undergoing testing
   • noun - (law) the determination of a person's innocence or guilt by due process of law
   • noun - (sports) a preliminary competition to determine qualifications
   • noun - an annoying or frustrating or catastrophic event
2. • Examination of evidence and applicable law by a competent tribunal to determine the issue of specified charges or claims.
   • The act or process of testing, trying, or putting to the proof: a trial of one’s faith.
   • An instance of such testing, especially as part of a series of tests or experiments.
   • An effort or attempt: succeeded on the third trial.
   • A state of pain or anguish that tests patience, endurance, or belief: “the fiery trial through which we pass” (Abraham Lincoln).
   • A trying, troublesome, or annoying person or thing: The child was a trial to his parents.
   • A preliminary competition or test to determine qualifications, as in a sport.
   • Of, relating to, or used in a trial.
   • Attempted or advanced on a provisional or experimental basis: a trial separation.
   • The central meaning shared by these nouns is “distress or suffering that severely tests resiliency and character”: no consolation in their hour of trial; the affliction of a bereaved family; the crucible of revolution; the ordeal of being an innocent murder suspect; domestic tribulations; an epidemic considered to be a visitation.
3. • n - a judicial examination

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