prŏbătĭon, ii, n., = προβάτιον,
a plant , also called arnoglossa, App. Herb. 1.
·noun The act of proving; also, that which proves anything; proof. II. Probation ·noun The trial of...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
The noviciate period of cadets, midshipmen, apprentices, &c. ...
The Sailor's Word-Book