Proof

• POS: Adjective, Noun, Verb (transitive)

CIDE DICTIONARY

Proof, n. [OF. prove, proeve, F. preuve, fr. L. proba, fr. probare to prove. See Prove.].

•  Any effort, process, or operation designed to establish or discover a fact or truth; an act of testing; a test; a trial.  [1913 Webster]

  "For whatsoever mother wit or art
  Could work, he put in proof."  [1913 Webster]

  "You shall have many proofs to show your skill."  [1913 Webster]

  "Formerly, a very rude mode of ascertaining the strength of spirits was practiced, called the proof."  [1913 Webster]
•  That degree of evidence which convinces the mind of any truth or fact, and produces belief; a test by facts or arguments that induce, or tend to induce, certainty of the judgment; conclusive evidence; demonstration.  [1913 Webster]

  " Properly speaking, proof is the effect or result of evidence, evidence is the medium of proof. Cf. Demonstration, 1."  [1913 Webster]

  "I'll have some proof."  [1913 Webster]

  "It is no proof of a man's understanding to be able to confirm whatever he pleases."  [1913 Webster]
•  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.  [1913 Webster]
•  Firmness of mind; stability not to be shaken.  [1913 Webster]
•  A trial impression, as from type, taken for correction or examination; -- called also proof sheet.  [1913 Webster]
•  A process for testing the accuracy of an operation performed. Cf. Prove, v. t., 5.  [1913 Webster]
•  Armor of excellent or tried quality, and deemed impenetrable; properly, armor of proof.  Shak.  [1913 Webster]

Artist's proof, a very early proof impression of an engraving, or the like; -- often distinguished by the artist's signature. -- Proof reader, one who reads, and marks correction in, proofs. See def. 5, above.

Syn. -- Testimony; evidence; reason; argument; trial; demonstration. See Testimony.

Proof, a. 

•  Used in proving or testing; as, a proof load, or proof charge.  [1913 Webster]
•  Firm or successful in resisting; as, proof against harm; waterproof; bombproof.  [1913 Webster]

  "I . . . have found thee
  Proof against all temptation."  [1913 Webster]

  "This was a good, stout proof article of faith."  [1913 Webster]
•  Being of a certain standard as to strength; -- said of alcoholic liquors.  [1913 Webster]

  "Usually such coins are double-struck from polished dies, and the raised features are sometimes frosted. They thus have sharper features and more mirror-like fields than production coins (i. e. those coins struck for circulation); they are considered by coin collectors as the most desirable specimens of each coin, and usually sell at a premium to their corresponding production coins."  [1913 Webster]

Proof charge (Firearms), a charge of powder and ball, greater than the service charge, fired in an arm, as a gun or cannon, to test its strength. -- Proof impression. See under Impression. -- Proof load (Engin.), the greatest load than can be applied to a piece, as a beam, column, etc., without straining the piece beyond the elastic limit. -- Proof sheet. See Proof, n., 5. -- Proof spirit (Chem.), a strong distilled liquor, or mixture of alcohol and water, containing not less than a standard amount of alcohol. In the United States “proof spirit is defined by law to be that mixture of alcohol and water which contains one half of its volume of alcohol, the alcohol when at a temperature of 60second, third, and fourth proof spirits respectively. -- Proof staff, a straight-edge used by millers to test the flatness of a stone. -- Proof stick (Sugar Manuf.), a rod in the side of a vacuum pan, for testing the consistency of the sirup. -- Proof text, a passage of Scripture used to prove a doctrine.

OXFORD DICTIONARY

Proof, n., adj., & v.
--n.
1 facts, evidence, argument, etc. establishing or helping to establish a fact (proof of their honesty; no proof that he was there).
2 Law the spoken or written evidence in a trial.
3 a demonstration or act of proving (not capable of proof; in proof of my assertion).
4 a test or trial (put them to the proof; the proof of the pudding is in the eating).
5 the standard of strength of distilled alcoholic liquors.
6 Printing a trial impression taken from type or film, used for making corrections before final printing.
7 the stages in the resolution of a mathematical or philosophical problem.
8 each of a limited number of impressions from an engraved plate before the ordinary issue is printed and usu. (in full proof before letters) before an inscription or signature is added.
9 a photographic print made for selection etc.
10 Sc. Law a trial before a judge instead of by a jury.
--adj.
1 impervious to penetration, ill effects, etc. (proof against the severest weather; his soul is proof against corruption).
2 (in comb.) able to withstand damage or destruction by a specified agent (soundproof; childproof).
3 being of proof alcoholic strength.
4 (of armour) of tried strength.
--v.tr.
1 make (something) proof, esp. make (fabric) waterproof.
2 make a proof of (a printed work, engraving, etc.).

Idiom

above proof (of alcohol) having a stronger than standard strength. proof-plane a small flat conductor on an insulating handle for measuring the electrification of a body. proof positive absolutely certain proof. proof-sheet a sheet of printer's proof. proof spirit a mixture of alcohol and water having proof strength.

Derivative

proofless adj.

Etymology

ME prof prove, earlier pref etc. f. OF proeve, prueve f. LL proba f. L probare (see PROVE; adj. and sometimes v. formed app. by ellipsis f. phr. of proof = proved to be impenetrable

DEVIL DICTIONARY

Proof

n. Evidence having a shade more of plausibility than of unlikelihood. The testimony of two credible witnesses as opposed to that of only one.

THESAURUS

Proof

Christophany, Ditto copy, Photostat, Satanophany, Xerox, Xerox copy, absolute indication, account, acid test, acquaintance, affirmation, airtight, ammunition, angelophany, announcement, appearance, argument, assay, attestation, authentication, avatar, backing, backing up, ballproof, basis for belief, bearing out, blank determination, blue, blue book, blueprint, body of evidence, bolstering, bombproof, briefing, bring out, brouillon, bulletin, bulletproof, burden of proof, burglarproof, buttressing, certification, chain of evidence, circumstantiation, clue, cold-type proof, color proof, communication, communique, computer proof, conclusive evidence, confirmation, contact print, corroboration, corroboratory evidence, corrosionproof, criterion, crucial test, crucible, damning evidence, dampproof, data, datum, deduction, deductive reasoning, demonstration, determination, directory, disclosure, discourse, discourse of reason, discursive reason, dispatch, dissemination, docimasy, document, documentation, embodiment, engrave, enlargement, enlightenment, epiphany, essay, establishment, evidence, evincement, exhibit, expression, fact, facts, factual information, familiarization, feeling out, fire-resisting, fireproof, first draft, flameproof, foolproof, fortification, foundry proof, galley, galley proof, gen, general information, get out, ground, grounds, grounds for belief, guidebook, handout, hard information, hectograph, hectograph copy, hermetic, holeproof, impenetrable, impervious, impervious to, impregnable, impress, impression, imprint, incarnation, incidental information, incontrovertible evidence, indication, indisputable evidence, induction, inductive reasoning, info, information, instruction, insulate, intelligence, ironclad proof, issue, item of evidence, kiteflying, knowledge, leakproof, light, logical thought, manifestation, mark, material grounds, materialization, measure, mention, message, mimeograph, mimeograph copy, multigraph, muniments, mute witness, negative, noiseproof, notice, notification, offprint, onus, onus probandi, ordeal, overprint, page proof, philosophy, photocopy, photograph, photostatic copy, piece of evidence, plate proof, pneumatophany, positive, premises, presentation, press proof, print, probation, progressive proof, promotional material, proof against, proof before letter, proof sheet, protective, prove, proving, proving out, publication, publicity, publish, pull, pull a proof, punctureproof, put out, put to bed, put to press, ratification, ratiocination, rationalism, rationality, rationalization, rationalizing, reason, reason to believe, reasonableness, reasoning, reinforcement, reissue, release, relevant fact, report, reprint, repro proof, resistant, revelation, revise, rough draft, rough sketch, run, run off, rustproof, settlement, shatterproof, shellproof, sidelight, sign, slip, sophistry, sounding out, soundproof, specious reasoning, stamp, standard, stat, statement, stone proof, strengthening, strike, strong, substantiation, support, supporting evidence, sure sign, sweet reason, symptom, tempered, test, test case, testament, testimonial, testimony, the dope, the goods, the know, the scoop, theophany, tight, token, touchstone, tough, transmission, trial, trial impression, try, undergirding, unmistakable sign, validation, vandyke, verification, waterproof, watertight, weatherproof, wherefore, white book, white paper, why, whyfor, witness, word

ROGET THESAURUS

Proof

Printing

N printing, block printing, type-printing, plate printing, (engraving), the press, composition, print, letterpress, text, context, note, page, column, typography, stereotype, electrotype, aprotype, type, black letter, font, fount, pi, pie, capitals, brevier, bourgeois, pica boldface, capitals, caps, catchword, composing-frame, composing room, composing rule, composing stand, composing stick, italics, justification, linotype, live matter, logotype, lower case, upper case, make-up, matrix, matter, monotype, 4-1/2 point, 5 point, 5-1/2 point, 6 point, 7 point, 8 point, press room, press work, reglet, roman, running head, running title, scale, serif, shank, sheet work, shoulder, signature, slug, underlay, folio, copy, impression, pull, proof, revise, author's proof, galley proof, press proof, press revise, printer, compositor, reader, printer's devil copyholder, printed, in type, typographical, solid in galleys.

Plan

N plan, scheme, design, project, proposal, proposition, suggestion, resolution, motion, precaution, deep- laid plan, system, organization, germ, sketch, skeleton, outline, draught, draft, ebauche, brouillon, rough cast, rough draft, draught copy, copy, proof, revise, drawing, scheme, schematic, graphic, chart, flow chart (representation), forecast, program, programme, prospectus, carte du pays, card, bill, protocol, order of the day, list of agenda, bill of fare, base of operations, platform, plank, slate, ticket, role, policy, contrivance, invention, expedient, receipt, nostrum, artifice, device, pipelaying, stratagem, trick, alternative, loophole, shift, last shift, measure, step, stroke, stroke of policy, master stroke, trump card, court card, cheval de bataille, great gun, coup, coup d'etat, clever stroke, bold stroke, good move, good hit, good stroke, bright thought, bright idea, intrigue, cabal, plot, conspiracy, complot, machination, subplot, underplot, counterplot, schemer, schemist, schematist, strategist, machinator, projector, artist, promoter, designer, conspirator, intrigant, planned, strategic, strategical, planning, prepared, in course of preparation, under consideration, on the tapis, on the carpet, on the floor.

Hardness

N hardness, rigidity, renitence, renitency, inflexibility, temper, callosity, durity, induration, petrifaction, lapidification, lapidescence, vitrification, ossification, crystallization, stone, pebble, flint, marble, rock, fossil, crag, crystal, quartz, granite, adamant, bone, cartilage, hardware, heart of oak, block, board, deal board, iron, steel, cast iron, decarbonized iron, wrought iron, nail, brick, concrete, cement, hard, rigid, stubborn, stiff, firm, starch, starched, stark, unbending, unlimber, unyielding, inflexible, tense, indurate, indurated, gritty, proof, adamant, adamantine, adamantean, concrete, stony, granitic, calculous, lithic, vitreous, horny, corneous, bony, osseous, ossific, cartilaginous, hard as a rock, stiff as buckram, stiff as a poker, stiff as starch, stiff as as board.

Physical Insensibility

N insensibility, physical insensibility, obtuseness, palsy, paralysis, paraesthesia, anaesthesia, sleep, hemiplegia, motor paralysis, vegetable state, coma, anaesthetic agent, opium, ether, chloroform, chloral, nitrous oxide, laughing gas, exhilarating gas, protoxide of nitrogen, refrigeration, insensible, unfeeling, senseless, impercipient, callous, thick- skinned, pachydermatous, hard, hardened, case hardened, proof, obtuse, dull, anaesthetic, comatose, paralytic, palsied, numb, dead.

Experiment

N experiment, essay, analysis, screen, trial, tentative method, t=atonnement, verification, probation, experimentum crucis, proof, (demonstration), criterion, diagnostic, test, probe, crucial test, acid test, litmus test, crucible, reagent, check, touchstone, pix, assay, ordeal, ring, litmus paper, curcuma paper, turmeric paper, test tube, analytical instruments, empiricism, rule of thumb, feeler, trial balloon, pilot balloon, messenger balloon, pilot engine, scout, straw to show the wind, speculation, random shot, leap in the dark, analyzer, analyst, assayist, adventurer, experimenter, experimentist, experimentalist, scientist, engineer, technician, subject, experimentee, guinea pig, experimental animal, protocol, experimental method, blind experiment, double-blind experiment, controlled experiment, poll, survey, opinion poll, epidemiological survey, retrospective analysis, retrospective survey, prospective survey, prospective analysis, statistical analysis, literature search, library research, tryout, audition, discovery, measurement, evidence, deduction, induction, abduction, experimental, empirical, probative, probatory, probationary, provisional, analytic, docimastic, tentative, unverified, unproven, speculative, untested, on trial, under examination, on probation, under probation, on one's trial, on approval, check it out, give it a try, see how it goes, Run it up the flagpole and see who salutes.

Evidence

N evidence, facts, premises, data, praecognita, grounds, indication, criterion, testimony, testification, expert testimony, attestation, deposition, examination, admission, authority, warrant, credential, diploma, voucher, certificate, doquet, docket, testamur, record, document, pi ce justificative, deed, warranty, signature, seal, exhibit, material evidence, objective evidence, witness, indicator, hostile witness, eyewitness, earwitness, material witness, state's evidence, deponent, sponsor, cojuror, oral evidence, documentary evidence, hearsay evidence, external evidence, extrinsic evidence, internal evidence, intrinsic evidence, circumstantial evidence, cumulative evidence, ex parte evidence, presumptive evidence, collateral evidence, constructive evidence, proof, evidence in chief, secondary evidence, confirmation, corroboration, support, ratification, authentication, compurgation, wager of law, comprobation, citation, reference, legal research, literature search (experiment), showing, indicative, indicatory, deducible, grounded on, founded on, based on, corroborative, confirmatory, by inference, according to, witness, a fortiori, still more, still less, raison de plus, in corroboration, of, valeat quantum, under seal, under one's hand and seal, dictum de dicto, mise en evidence.

Demonstration

N demonstration, proof, rigorous proof, conclusiveness, apodeixis, apodixis, probation, comprobation, logic of facts, experimentum crucis, argument, rigorous establishment, absolute establishment, conviction, cogency, (persuasion), demonstrating, demonstrative, demonstrable, probative, unanswerable, conclusive, apodictic, apodeictic, apodeictical, irresistible, irrefutable, irrefragable, necessary, categorical, decisive, crucial, demonstrated, proven, unconfuted, unanswered, unrefuted, evident, deducible, consequential, consectary, inferential, following, convincing, cogent, persuasive (believable), of course, in consequence, consequently, as a matter of course, necessarily, of necessity, probatum est, there is nothing more to be said, quod est demonstrandum, Q, E, D, it must follow, exitus acta probat.

Indication

N indication, symbolism, symbolization, semiology, semiotics, semeiology, semeiotics, Zeitgeist, characteristic, diagnostic, lineament, feature, trait, fingerprint, voiceprint, footprint, noseprint, cloven hoof, footfall, recognition (memory), diagnostic, divining rod, detector, sign, symbol, index, indice, indicator, point, pointer, exponent, note, token, symptom, dollar sign, dollar mark, type, figure, emblem, cipher, device, representation, epigraph, motto, posy, gesture, gesticulation, pantomime, wink, glance, leer, nod, shrug, beck, touch, nudge, dactylology, dactylonomy, freemasonry, telegraphy, chirology, byplay, dumb show, cue, hint, clue, clew, key, scent, signal, signal post, rocket, blue light, watch fire, watch tower, telegraph, semaphore, flagstaff, cresset, fiery cross, calumet, heliograph, guidon, headlight, mark, scratch, line, stroke, dash, score, stripe, streak, tick, dot, point, notch, nick, print, imprint, impress, impression, keyboard symbols, printing symbols, red letter, italics, sublineation, underlining, bold font, jotting, note, annotation, reference, blaze, cedilla, guillemets, hachure, quotation marks, ", double quotes, " ", parentheses, "( )", brackets, "", braces, "", left arrow, "<", right arrow, ">", forward slash, "/", backward slash, "\", exclamation point, "!", commercial at, "@", pound sign, "#", percent sign, "%", carat, "", ampersand, "&", asterisk, "*", hyphen, "-", dash, "-", "_", em dash, "--", plus sign, "+", equals sign, "=", question mark, "?", period, ", ", semicolon, ", ", colon, ":", comma, ", ", apostrophe, "'", single quote, "'", tilde, "~", badge, criterion, countercheck, countermark, countersign, counterfoil, duplicate, tally, label, ticket, billet, letter, counter, check, chip, chop, dib, totem, tessera, card, bill, witness, voucher, stamp, cacher, trade mark, Hall mark, signature, mark, autograph, autography, attestation, hand, hand writing, sign manual, cipher, seal, sigil, signet, hand and seal, paraph, brand, superscription, indorsement, endorsement, password, watchword, catchword, security card, pass, passkey, credentials, open sesame, timbrology, mot de passe, mot du guet, pass-parole, shibboleth, title, heading, docket, address card, visiting card, carte de visite, insignia, banner, banneret, bannerol, bandrol, flag, colors, streamer, standard, eagle, labarum, oriflamb, oriflamme, figurehead, ensign, pennon, pennant, pendant, burgee, blue Peter, jack, ancient, gonfalon, union jack, banderole, old glory, quarantine flag, vexillum, yellow-flag, yellow jack, tricolor, stars and stripes, bunting, heraldry, crest, coat of arms, arms, armorial bearings, hatchment, escutcheon, scutcheon, shield, supporters, livery, uniform, cockade, epaulet, chevron, garland, love knot, favor, beacon, cairn, post, staff, flagstaff, hand, pointer, vane, cock, weathercock, guidepost, handpost, fingerpost, directing post, signpost, pillars of Hercules, pharos, bale-fire, beacon-fire, l'etoile du Nord, landmark, seamark, lighthouse, balize, polestar, loadstar, lodestar, cynosure, guide, address, direction, name, sign, signboard, warning, omen, prefigurement, trace, record, warning &c, alarm, scepter, trophy, gauge, milestone, milepost, brand, fool's cap, check, telltale, test, mileage ticket, milliary, notification, advertisement, word of command, call, bugle call, trumpet call, bell, alarum, cry, battle cry, rallying cry, angelus, reveille, sacring bell, sanctus bell, exposition &c (explanation), proof, pattern, indicating, indicative, indicatory, denotative, connotative, diacritical, representative, typical, symbolic, pantomimic, pathognomonic, symptomatic, characteristic, demonstrative, diagnostic, exponential, emblematic, armorial, individual, known by, recognizable by, indicated, pointed, marked, denotable, indelible, in token of, symbolically, in dumb show, ecce signum, ex ungue leonem, ex pede Herculem, vide ut supra, vultus ariete fortior.