trial

noun

1. the act of testing something"in the experimental trials the amount of carbon was measured separately"
2. trying something to find out about it"a sample for ten days free trial"
3. the act of undergoing testing"he survived the great test of battle"
4. (law) the determination of a person's innocence or guilt by due process of law"he had a fair trial and the jury found him guilty"
5. (sports) a preliminary competition to determine qualifications"the trials for the semifinals began yesterday"
6. an annoying or frustrating or catastrophic event"his mother-in-law's visits were a great trial for him"