Search the Dictionary

existence of one fact not certainly known, from the existence of some other fact known or proved, founded on a previous experience of their connection; supposition of the truth or real existence of something, without direct or positive proof of the fact, but grounded on circumstantial or probable evidence which entitle…

throne of Great Britain, from which the house was excluded by law. It is the shallow, unimproved intellects that are the confident pretenders to certainty. Glanvill.

To prove. [Obs.] Chaucer.

To prove. [Obs. or Scot.]

, let us go on unto perfection. Heb. vi. 1. A good principle, not rightly understood, may prove as hurtful as a bad. Milton.

Capable of being proved. [Obs.]

Approved; probable. [Obs.] Shak.

ast will and testament of a person deceased, is indeed his lawful act; the copy of a will proved, under the seal of the Court of Probate, delivered to the executors with a certificate of its having been proved. Bouvier. Burrill.

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.

An examiner; an approver. Maydman.

Tried virtue or integrity; approved moral excellence; honesty; rectitude; uprightness. "Probity of mind." Pope.

advance in the acquisition of any art, science, or knowledge; progression in knowledge; improvement; adeptness; as, to acquire proficiency in music.

To gain advantage; to make improvement; to improve; to gain; to advance. I profit not by thy talk. Shak.

To make improvement; to advance. Bayard. If man progresses, art must progress too. Caird.

The quality or state of having been proved or tried; firmness or hardness that resists impression, or does not yield to force; impenetrability of physical bodies.

Wanting sufficient evidence to induce belief; not proved. Boyle. -- Proof"less*ly, adv.

To call as a witness in affirming or denying, or to prove an affirmation; to appeal to. Fiercely [they] opposed My journey strange, with clamorous uproar Protesting fate supreme. Milton. To protest a bill or note (Law), to make a solemn written declaration, in due form, on behalf of the holder, against all parties liab…

Capable of being proved; demonstrable. -- Prov"a*ble*ness, n. -- Prov"a*bly, adv.

Provender or food. [Obs.] One pease was a soldier's provant a whole day. Beau. & Fl.

To supply with provender or provisions; to provide for. [Obs.] Nash.