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Proof. [Obs.] Skelton.

The act of proving; also, that which proves anything; proof. [Obs.] When by miracle God dispensed great gifts to the laity, . . . he gave probation that he intended that all should prophesy and preach. Jer. Taylor.

Serving for trial or proof; probationary; as, probative judgments; probative evidence. South.

Pertaining to, or serving for, proof. Jer. Taylor. Probatory term (Law), a time for taking testimony.

A question proposed for solution; a matter stated for examination or proof; hence, a matter difficult of solution or settlement; a doubtful case; a question involving doubt. Bacon.

To take a trial impression of; to take a proof of; as, to prove a page.

To take or make, as a proof or impression; -- hand presses being worked by pulling a lever.

A prop, as for the roof of a mine. Bell punch. See under Bell. -- Belt punch (Mach.), a punch, or punch pliers, for making holes for lacings in the ends of driving belts. -- Punch press. See Punching machine, under Punch, v. i. -- Punch pliers, pliers having a tubular, sharp-edged steel punch attached to one of the…

One of two suspending posts in a roof truss, or other framed truss of similar form. See King-post.

To write " query" (qu., qy., or ) against, as a doubtful spelling, or sense, in a proof. See Quære.

lly, any rough and somewhat heavy piece of timber. Now, commonly, one of the timbers of a roof which are put on sloping, according to the inclination of the roof. See Illust. of Queen-post. [Courtesy] oft is sooner found in lowly sheds, With smoky rafters, than in tapestry halls. Milton.

So tight as to exclude rain as, a rain-tight roof.

ing sheet metal. -- Raising plate (Carp.), the plate, or longitudinal timber, on which a roof is raised and rests.

To inclination of anything from a perpendicular direction; as, the rake of a roof, a staircase, etc.; especially (Naut.,

A proof reader.

cient cause of an occurrence or a phenomenon; a motive for an action or a determination; proof, more or less decisive, for an opinion or a conclusion; principle; efficient cause; final cause; ground of argument. I'll give him reasons for it. Shak. The reason of the motion of the balance in a wheel watch is by the motio…

That which is offered in argument; proofs or reasons when arranged and developed; course of argument. His reasoning was sufficiently profound. Macaulay.

To check, silence, or put down, with reproof; to restrain by expression of disapprobation; to reprehend sharply and summarily; to chide; to reprove; to admonish. The proud he tamed, the penitent he cheered, Nor to rebuke the rich offender feared. Dryden.

To contradict, meet, or oppose by argument, plea, or countervailing proof. Abbott.

Straw prepared for thatching a roof. [Prov. Eng.]