Trial \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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)