Definitions for: Proof


[n] the act of validating; finding or testing the truth of something
[n] a trial photographic print from a negative
[n] (printing) a trial impression made to check for errors
[n] (logic or mathematics) a formal series of statements showing that if one thing is true something else necessarily follows from it
[n] a measure of alcoholic strength expressed as an integer twice the percentage of alcohol present (by volume)
[v] make resistant, as to water, sound, errors, etc.
[v] activate by mixing with water and sometimes sugar or milk; "proof yeast"
[v] read for errors
[v] make or take a proof of, such as a photographic negative, an etching, or typeset



Webster (1913) Definition: Proof, n. [OF. prove, proeve, F. preuve, fr. L. proba,
fr. probare to prove. See Prove.]
1. Any effort, process, or operation designed to establish or
discover a fact or truth; an act of testing; a test; a
trial.

For whatsoever mother wit or art Could work, he put
in proof. --Spenser.

You shall have many proofs to show your skill.
--Ford.

Formerly, a very rude mode of ascertaining the
strength of spirits was practiced, called the proof.
--Ure.

2. 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.

I'll have some proof. --Shak.

It is no proof of a man's understanding to be able
to confirm whatever he pleases. --Emerson.

Note: Properly speaking, proof is the effect or result of
evidence, evidence is the medium of proof. Cf.
Demonstration, 1.

3. 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.

4. Firmness of mind; stability not to be shaken.

5. (Print.) A trial impression, as from type, taken for
correction or examination; -- called also proof sheet.

6. (Math.) A process for testing the accuracy of an operation
performed. Cf. Prove, v. t., 5.

7. Armor of excellent or tried quality, and deemed
impenetrable; properly, armor of proof. [Obs.] --Shak.

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.
1. Used in proving or testing; as, a proof load, or proof
charge.

2. Firm or successful in resisting; as, proof against harm;
waterproof; bombproof.

I . . . have found thee Proof against all
temptation. --Milton.

This was a good, stout proof article of faith.
--Burke.

3. Being of a certain standard as to strength; -- said of
alcoholic liquors.



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 60[deg] Fahrenheit being
of specific gravity 0.7939 referred to water at its
maximum density as unity. Proof spirit has at 60[deg]
Fahrenheit a specific gravity of 0.93353, 100 parts by
volume of the same consisting of 50 parts of absolute
alcohol and 53.71 parts of water,'' the apparent excess of
water being due to contraction of the liquids on mixture.
In England proof spirit is defined by Act 58, George III.,
to be such as shall at a temperature of 51[deg] Fahrenheit
weigh exactly the 12/13 part of an equal measure of
distilled water. This contains 49.3 per cent by weight, or
57.09 by volume, of alcohol. Stronger spirits, as those of
about 60, 70, and 80 per cent of alcohol, are sometimes
called second, 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.

Synonyms: cogent evidence, proofread, substantiation, test copy, validation

See Also: alter, amount, argument, ascertain, assure, authentication, certification, change, check, check, confirmation, control, create, demonstration, determination, documentation, ensure, establishment, evidence, finding, fireproof, foolproof, foundry proof, galley proof, goofproof, grounds, impression, insure, logical proof, make, mathematical proof, measure, monetisation, monetization, monstrance, photographic print, print, printing, probate, produce, quantity, quantum, read, see, see to it, statement, strengthen, substantiation, support, validation, verification, weatherproof

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