Proof

Proof, prōōf, n. that which proves or establishes the truth of anything: test: (obs.) experience: experiment: any process to discover or establish a truth: that which convinces: demonstration: evidence which convinces the mind: state of having been proved: (pl.) in equity practice, the instruments of evidence in their documentary form: (Scots law) the taking of evidence by a judge upon an issue framed in pleading: a test, hence 'Armour of proof,' armour proved to be trustworthy: (arith.) an operation checking the accuracy of a calculation: firmness of mind: a certain strength of alcoholic spirits: (print.) an impression taken for correction, also 'proof-sheet:' an early impression of an engraving—'proof before letter'=one taken before the title is engraved on the plate: (phot.) the first print from a negative.—adj. firm in resisting: noting alcoholic liquors having the specific gravity 0.920:—pl. Proofs.—ns. Proof′-arm′our, armour proved to be able to resist ordinary weapons; Proof′-charge, an extraordinary amount of powder and shot put into a gun to test its strength; Proof′-house, a house fitted up for proving the barrels of firearms; Proof′-leaf (same as Proof-sheet).—adj. Proof′less, wanting proof or evidence.—ns. Proof′-mark, a mark stamped on a gun to show that it has stood the test; Proof′-read′er, a person who reads printed proofs to discover and correct errors; Proof′-sheet, an impression taken on a slip of paper for correction before printing finally; Proof′-spir′it, a mixture containing fixed proportions of alcohol and water—nearly half its weight and fully half its volume of alcohol; Proof′-text, a passage of Scripture held to prove a certain doctrine.—Artist's proof, a first impression from an engraved plate or block; Burden of proof (see Burden); India proof (see Indian). [O. Fr. prove (Fr. preuve)—L. probāre, to prove.]