trial

Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
trial/ˈtrʌɪəl/

▶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.

  ■ a sports match to test the ability of players eligible for selection to a team.

  ■ a test of individual ability on a motorcycle.

  ■ (trials) an event in which horses or dogs compete or perform.

• 3 a test of a person's endurance or forbearance.

▶verb (trials, trialling, trialled; US trials, trialing, trialed)

• 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 ME: from Anglo-Norman Fr., or from med. L. triallum.