▪ I.proof,n.|pruːf|Forms: α. preve, prefe, etc.; β. prove, proof, etc.: see below.[ME.preove, proeve, preve, etc., a.OF.prueve (c 1224 inGodef.Compl.), proeve, preve, proeuve (from 13th c. and inmod.F. preuve)=Pr.andPg.prova,Sp.prueba,Cat.proba,It.prova,†pruova:—late L. proba (Ammianus a 400) a proof,f.probāre to prove. The α forms were the original,corresp.toOF.and toSp.prueba; they continued longer inSc.The β forms (also in lateOF.prouve, prove, 14th c. in Littré) are assimilated in the vowel to F. prouver,Eng.prove v. The devocalization of v to f ensued upon the loss of final e;cf.the relation of v and f in believe, belief, relieve, relief, behove, behoof, etc.]A.Illustration of Forms.(α)3 preoue, 4 proeue, prieve, 4–5 pref, preef, 4–6 prefe, preve, Sc.preiff, 5 proef, preff(e, preeff, preyf, prewe, 5–6 prief(e, preif, 6 preife, pryef, preeue, pryve, Sc.prieff; 8–9 arch.prief, dial.preef, prief, preif.a1225Ancr. R. 154Ich chulle, of bo two, scheawen uorbisne & preoue.c1325,Pref[see B. 2, 7].1340Ayenb. 134Wyþ-oute oþre proeue.c1375Sc.Leg.Saints i. (Petrus) 187As men may preiff furth bringe.c1380Prefe[see B. 4].c1386ChaucerClerk's T. 731This Markys yet his wyf to tempte moore To the outtreste preeue[v. rr. preue, priue, proef, preef]of hir corage.1387TrevisaHigden (Rolls) I. 71Þe fourþe witnesse and preef.1390GowerConf.I. 227Sothliche I lieve And durste setten it in prieve.c1400Ragman Roll 122 inHazl.E.P.P. I. 74For your dedys preyf.c1420Lydg.Thebes 2326That she thought forto mak a prief.1422tr.Secreta Secret., Priv. Priv. 216Wythout longe Prewe.c1430Preef; 1436 Preffe[see B. 7, 8].c1440Generydes 1453Other wise thanne he cowde make the preff.1499Exch.RollsScotl.XI. 436The preve that Sir Patrik Hume offeris to produce.c1570Pride & Lowl. (1841) 36Of truth and vertue for to maken pryef.1572Preuis; a 1584 Preif[see B. 1 c].1590Priefe, Prief[see B. 5, 10].1591SpenserM. Hubberd 408But readie are of anie to make preife.1594CarewTasso (1881) 18He showes in hoarie lockes of strength the preeue.a1796BurnsTroker in Ainslie Land of Burns (1892) 188Let's see How ye'll pit this in prief to me.(β)4–5 prooff, 4–5 prof, proff, Sc.pruf(f, 4–6 proue, profe, Sc.prowe, 5–6 proufe, -ffe, prove, prooue, 5–7 proofe, proffe, Sc.prufe, 6 prooffe, 7 Sc.pruife, 5– proof. (Sc.pruife, etc.|ʏ,ø|.) pl.proofs; also 4–7 proues, 5 prouves, 5–7 proves, 6–7 prooves.c1330R. BrunneChron.(1810) 341Bi profe & gode assaies.13..Cursor M. 6865Thoru proue[Gött. prof]o seluen dede.c1375Sc.Leg.Saints xxiii. (VII Sleperis) 10Be verray prowe.Ibid.xxvii. (Machor) 941Swa with prooff of mychtfull dede he strinthit alway godis sede.c1380WyclifWks.(1880) 70Þe dede doynge is proff of loue.Ibid.290Examyne here proues.1425Prouves; c 1430 Prouffe[see B. 1 c, 4 b].c1440Promp. Parv. 414/2Proof, idem quod preef.1456Pruf[see B. 2].c1500Not-br. Mayd 470 inHazl.E.P.P. II. 291,I see the proue.1526Tindale2Cor.viii. 24The proffe off youre love.a1562G. CavendishPoems, etc. (1825) II. 115The proue in me ye may playnly se the vse.1570DeeMath.Pref.*j b,His bookes..are good profe.1581MulcasterPositions iii. (1887) 11No proufe at all.a1595SouthwellWks.(1828) II. 38So many proofs would persuade thee.1609Prufe[see B. 1 b].1637Proofe[see B. 2].1639S. Du Vergertr.Camus'Admir.Events 341Proffes of the greatnesse of my freindship.1683Proves, Prooves[see B. 12, 16].B.Signification.I.From prove v. in the sense of making good, or showing to be true.1. a.That which makes good or proves a statement; evidence sufficient (or contributing) to establish a fact or produce belief in the certainty of something. †to make proof: to have weight as evidence (obs.).a1225Ancr. R. 52Þet hit beo soð, lo her þe preoue.a1300Cursor M. 8708 (Cott.)Proue yee see þat þar es nan.c1385ChaucerL.G.W.Prol.28We han noon other preue.1437Rolls of Parlt. IV. 510/2Till the said examination and previs be fully determined.1526Pilgr.Perf.(W. de W. 1531) 70 b,Very pledges and sure proues of the kynges fauoure.1560J. Daustr.Sleidane'sComm.249Hereof they bryng manye proues.1659OwenDiv.Orig.Script.Wks.1853 XVI. 319Light requires neither proof nor testimony for its evidence.1759RobertsonHist.Scot.iv.Wks.1813 I. 318These suspicions are confirmed by the most direct proof.1832R. & J. LanderExped.Niger I. vi. 232As a proof of his esteem and confidence.1883W. E. NorrisThirlby Hall xxxi,Which was proof positive that he had thought better of his intention.1927A. H. McNeileIntrod.toN.T.13He therefore makes no use of proof-texts, and no suggestions that Christianity is the real and ‘fulfilled’ Judaism. His sole ‘proofs’ are the actual words and deeds of the Master and the effects which they produced.1945R. KnoxGod & Atom iii. 42In the long run, you felt, the first three Proofs stood or fell by the value of the causality argument.b.Law. (generally) Evidence such as determines the judgement of a tribunal. Also spec.(a) A written document or documents so attested as to form legal evidence. (b) A written statement of what a witness is prepared to swear to. (c) The evidence which has been given in a particular case, and entered on the court records. (See also 3.)1481Coventry LeetBk.473No feynied matiers but such as shall be proved be credible proves in writyng.1483CaxtonGold.Leg.284 b/1Yf the preues of the lignages were fayled.1609SkeneReg.Maj. i. 67 b,It is in the election of him quha is accused, to vnderly the prufe of the woman, or to purge him be judgement, or ane gude assise of the crime quhereof he is accused.Ibid.106 b,Gif the partie defendand that day of prufe, be absent; and the party followand being present with his prufe in his hand and swa the partie defendand be not ready or present, to receiue the prufe against him.a1715BurnetOwn Time an. 1678 (1823) II. 445The proof did not carry it beyond manslaughter.1768BlackstoneComm.III. xxiii. 368Written proofs, or evidence, are, 1. Records, and 2. Antient deeds of thirty years standing, which prove themselves.1818CruiseDigest (ed.2) IV. 231It being in proof that the draft was not completed till six months after instructions had been given for preparing it.1863H. CoxInstit. i. ix. 172A statement showing all matters required to be proved, and opposite each proof the name of the witness to prove it.1883Act 46 & 47Vict.c. 52. Sched. ii. 7Every creditor who has lodged a proof shall be entitled to see and examine the proofs of other creditors.†c.A person who gives evidence; a witness:=evidencen.7. Obs.(After 1500 only Sc.)1425Rolls of Parlt. IV. 289/2That the same Marchant..do brynge..two prouves of Marchantz.1449Ibid.V. 145/2Other resonable witnesse and proves sworne.1456Sir G. HayeLaw Arms (S.T.S.) 73Gif men suld be prufis thame selff.1572Sc.ActsJas.VI (1814) III. 72/1That the disobedient obstinat and relaps persounis..sall not be admittit as preuis witnessis or Assysouris aganis ony professing þe trew Religioun.a1584MontgomerieCherrie & Slae 761For I myself can be ane preif And witness thairintill.2.The action, process, or fact of proving, or establishing the truth of, a statement; the action of evidence in convincing the mind; demonstration.c1325Song of Yesterday 171 in E.E.P. (1862) 137And i say nay and make apref.1456Sir G. HayeLaw Arms (S.T.S.) 74Gif I faile of my pruf.., the juge may assoilȝe my party.1480Coventry LeetBk.461In prove þerof the procession weye on þe South syde of the seid Churche..was where the south baye of the seid Churche ys nowe.1637StarChamb.Decree §21 in Milton's Areop. (Arb.) 19Vpon complaint and proofe made thereof.1718Hickes & NelsonJ. Kettlewell ii. lvi. 175They put the King upon the Proof that they had presented such a Petition.1848KebleSerm.386The burthen of proof was of course thrown on the heresiarch.1860TyndallGlac.ii. v. 252This is all capable of experimental proof.Mod.In proof of this assertion, I may state[etc.].3.Sc.Law. Evidence given before a judge, or a commissioner representing him, upon a record or an issue framed in pleading; the taking of such evidence by a judge in order to a trial; hence, trial before a judge instead of by a jury.This distinctive development of sense has gradually taken place since the introduction of trial by jury into Scotland in 1815.1838W. BellDict.LawScot.373The duties of commissioners in taking proofs, under authority of the Court of Session, are pointed out by the acts of Sederunt 11th March 1800, and 22d June 1809.1845Polson inEncycl.Metrop.II. 853/1The proof is taken in the presence of a commissioner appointed by the Lord Ordinary, who examines the witnesses, commits their depositions to writing, and reports the whole, either to the Lord Ordinary or to the court, according to his directions.1879MackayPract.Crt.of Session II. 10Under the existing practice a certain discretion is exercised by the Court in determining what causes are..fitted for proof before a judge and not by jury trial.1890WatsonBell'sDict.LawScot.615/1By §4 of the Evidence Act, 1866, proof may be taken before the Lord Ordinary, without jury, in any cause, ‘if both parties consent thereto, or if special cause be shown’.1903J. RankinePrinc.LawScot.551When the Lord Ordinary takes a proof, each party adduces witnesses to prove his statements, and the proof is followed by a hearing on evidence[i.e.a hearing of counsel on the evidence].Ibid.,Where the parties are agreed as to the necessity for inquiry regarding the facts, the Lord Ordinary appoints a diet of proof, or in certain cases orders issues with a view to the trial of the cause by a jury.1908Scots Law Times 14 Mar. XV. 958/1The Lord Ordinary held that the case was one for proof not jury trial.Ibid.959/1Lord Guthrie. ‘I think it ought to be sent to proof and not to jury trial.’II.From prove v. in the sense of trying or testing.4. a.The action or an act of testing or making trial of anything, or the condition of being tried; test, trial, experiment; examination, probation; assay. Often in phrases to bring, put, set, etc. (something) in, on, to (the,†a) proof.c1380WyclifWks.(1880) 384We mot take hede to þe rewle of prefe..by her werkis ȝe schul knowe hem.c1386[see A. α].c1440Promp. Parv. 412/1Preef, or a-say(y)nge, examinacio.1523Fitzherb.Surv.13 b,That there may be made due proues without fauoure, bribery, or extorcyon.1683MoxonMech.Exerc., Printing xvi,Without several Proofs and Tryings,[the mould]cannot be expected to be perfectly true.1727A. HamiltonNewAcc.E.Ind.I. p. xxix,I leave them to my Reader, with the old Proverb to accompany them, that the Proof of the Pudding is in eating it.1805SoutheyMadoc in W. vi. ad fin.,If thy heart Be harden'd to the proof, come when thou wilt.1842TennysonLocksley Hall 77Drug thy memories, lest thou learn it, lest thy heart be put to proof.1861FairbairnIron.Manuf.150Some large pump-rods.. were required to stand a proof of 120,000 lbs. per square inch.b.Arith. An operation serving to test or check the correctness of an arithmetical calculation.(Sometimes understood as in sense 2.)c1430Art Nombryng 6The subtraccioun is none other but a prouffe of the addicioun, and the contrarye in like wise.1594BlundevilExerc.i. iii. (1636) 9In making which proofe or tryall you cannot likely erre.1704J. HarrisLex.Techn.s.v.Multiplication,The Proof of Multiplication can only certainly be effected by Division.1827HuttonCourseMath.I. 40The method of Proof, and the reason of the Rule, are the same as in Simple Multiplication.†5.The action or fact of passing through or having experience of something; also, knowledge derived from this; experience. Obs.a1300Cursor M. 20005 (Cott.)Þe apostels..Þai did þam⁓seluen al to proue, O ded for þair lauerd be-houe.1399Langl.Rich.RedelesProl.17It passid my parceit, and my preifis also, How so wondirffull werkis wolde haue an ende.c1400Destr. Troy 5525Epistaphus, to preue, was his pure nome.1544Suppl.to Henry VIII in FourSupplic.(1871) 40Of whom they haue proue & sure knowledge.1590SpenserF.Q. i. viii. 43Good growes of evils priefe.Ibid.ii. i. 48Tell what fatall priefe Hath with so huge misfortune you opprest.1613PurchasPilgrimage (1614) 392A fountaine..of Tarre, whereof wee had good vse and proofe in our ship.†6.A trial, attempt, essay, endeavour. Obs.1575ChurchyardChippes (1817) 156Yet diuers proues were made the breach to view, And some were slayne, that dyd assayle the same.1628HobbesThucyd. (1822) 119They thought this accident (especially being their first proof by sea) very much against reason.†7.That which anything proves or turns out to be; the issue, result, effect, fulfilment;esp.in phrase to come to proof. Obs.13..Sir Beues (A.) 4030Þe king Yuor hadde a þef: God him ȝeue euel pref, For þat he kouþe so wel stele!c1430How Wise Man tauȝt his Son 62 in BabeesBk.(1868) 50And flee al letcherie in wil and dede Lest þou come to yuel preef.c1489CaxtonSonnes of Aymon vii. 161Some of you speketh now hye, that whan the dede shall come to preeff, he shall be full lowe.1575–85Abp.Sandys Serm.xv. (ParkerSoc.) 301The timeliest fruit often cometh to least proof.1599HakluytVoy.II. i. 85The most part of the sayd mines came to no proofe though they put fire in them.1607–12BaconEss., Parents & Childr. (Arb.) 274The proofe is best, when Men keepe theire authoritye towardes theire Children, but not theire purse.8.esp.The fact, condition, or quality of proving good, turning out well, or producing good results; thriving; good condition, good quality; goodness, substance. Now only dial.[1436Pol.Poems (Rolls) II. 161The wolle of Spayne hit cometh not to preffe, But if[=unless]it be tosed and menged welle Amonges Englysshe wolle the gretter delle.]1616Surfl.&Markh.Country Farme i. xxiv. 105When you haue fed your Swine to his full proofe.1725BradleyFam.Dict.s.v.Sainfoin,This sort of Grass has obtain'd the Preference above Clover-Grass in England, as continuing longer in Proof than it.1854Jrnl.R.Agric.Soc.XV. ii. 404This is not found to deteriorate their bulk, or the ‘proof’ or quality of keeping.1862Q.Rev.Apr. 287Sainfoin..the aftermath is invaluable for securing the high and rapid proof of lambs.1893Wilts.Gloss.,Proof, of manure, hay, &c., the strength or goodness... A thriving tree is said to be in ‘good proof’.9. a.The testing of cannon or small fire-arms by firing a heavy charge, or by hydraulic pressure. proof of (gun) powder, the testing of the propulsive force of gunpowder.1669SturmyMariner'sMag.v. xii. 64What Powder is allowed for Proof, and what for Action of each Piece.1797Encycl.Brit.(ed.3) XV. 589/1Proof of Powder, is in order to try its goodness and strength.1859F. A. GriffithsArtill.Man.(1862) 57All Ordnance..are subject to the Water proof. This is done by means of a forcing pump.b.A place for testing fire-arms or explosives.1760Chron.in Ann.Reg.146/1At a proof at Woolwich warren, a smoke-ball burst.1883Pall Mall G. 6 Apr. 7/1The box..proved, on investigation, to contain about 200 lb. of nitroglycerine... A sample was kept, while the bulk was taken to one of the ‘proofs’ on the marshes.10. a.The condition of having successfully stood a test, or the capability of doing so; proved or tested power; orig.of armour and arms, whence transf.and fig.: impenetrability, invulnerability. arch.Often in phrase armour (etc.) of proof:cf.proof a. 1; at the proof, so as to be proof; to the proof, to the utmost, in the highest degree. proof of lead or shot (cf.proof a. 1), the quality of being proof against leaden bullets.1456Sir G. HayeLaw Arms (S.T.S.) 85The traist that he has in his gude armouris makis him hardy.., for thai ar of prove.15..Sir A. Barton in SurteesMisc.(1888) 72Then he put on the armere of prooffe.c1585Faire Em iii. iv,Should they haue profered it, her chaste minde hath proofe enough to preuent it.1590Sir J. SmythDisc.Weapons 14Manie Captaines and Officers of footmen were armed at the proofe of the Harquebuze.1590SpenserF.Q. i. x. 24Salves and med'cines, which had passing prief.1621FletcherWild Goose Chase iii. i,We must be patient; I am vex'd to th' proof too.1678BunyanPilgr. i. 173,I was cloathed with Armour of proof.a1700Judgments upon Persecutors 50 (Jam.)Knowing he had proof of lead,[he]shot him with a silver button.1871PalgraveLyr. Poems 102Nor whether his shield be of proof.b.Proof armour. Hist.1596Dalrympletr.Leslie'sHist.Scot.x. 419Corsletis of profe.a1625FletcherChances i. x,Ye clap on proof upon me.1956W. S. ChurchillHist.Eng.-Speaking Peoples I. ii. i. 126They..were clad in proof, but..they cast aside their ring-mail.c.The process of stiffening hats and rendering them waterproof.Cf.proof v. 2.1901Daily News 15 Jan. 6/3The bursting of a stove in what is called the proof shop of the works, where hats are dried after proof.11. a.The standard of strength of distilled alcoholic liquors (or of vinegar); now, the strength of a mixture of alcohol and water having a specific gravity of 0·91984, and containing 0·495 of its weight, or 0·5727 of its volume, of absolute alcohol. Also transf.Spirit of this strength.1705tr.Bosman's Guinea 403For Proof[of the brandy]there was a little Spanish Soap clapt into it, and the Scum of the Soap passed on them for the Proof.1711Lond.Gaz.No.4790/4, 5Pipes of French Brandy, full Proof.1725Ibid.No.6437/1Brandy or Spirits above Proof.1748H. EllisHudson's Bay 175All the Liquors under the Proof of common Spirits, freeze to a State perfectly solid.1826in HoneEvery-dayBk.II. 862The bar was crowded with applicants for ‘full proof’, and ‘the best cordials’.1856KaneArct. Expl. I. xiii. 146A bottle of Monongahela whiskey of good stiff proof froze under Mr. Bonsall's head.b.In sugar-boiling: The degree of concentration at which the syrup will successfully crystallize.1753ChambersCycl.Supp.,Proof, in the sugar trade, a term used by the refiners of sugar for the proper state of the dissolved sugar when it should be set to harden.c.The aeration of dough by leaven before baking.Cf.prove v. 1 g.1903KiplingFive Nations 23There is no proof in the bread we eat or rest in the toil we ply.1961Sunday Times 5 Feb. 30/4You knead it[sc. the dough]again, but this time for a few minutes only—just to ‘knock out the proof’, as the bakers say.III.That which is produced as a test; a means or instrument for testing.12.Typog.A trial or preliminary impression taken from composed type, in which typographical errors may be corrected, and alterations and additions made.Appliedesp.to the first proof; a second or later one being called a revise: see revisen.3; see alsoquot.1842.[1563: seeproben.3.]1600W. WatsonDecacordon (1602) 345,I was not present..: nor had I the sight of one proofe vntill the whole booke was out in print.1612[see revisen.3].1613ChapmanMasque Inns of CourtPref., Plays 1873 III. 96The Printer..neuer sending me a proofe till he had past those speeches.1655tr.Com.Hist.Francion x. 24We did all go to the Printers house, where we did find him correcting Proofs.1683MoxonMech.Exerc., Printing i,The Correcter[would]not read Proves.1771LuckombeHist.Print.440Deliver them to the Pressmen to pull a Proof of them.1842BrandeDict.Sc.etc.s.v.,First proof..is the impression with all the errors of workmanship. After, it is read and corrected..another impression is printed with more care, to send to the author; this is termed a clean proof.1878HuxleyPhysiogr.Pref.9,I have carefully revised the proofs of every chapter.13. a.Engraving. Originally, An impression taken by the engraver from an engraved plate, stone, or block, to examine its state during the progress of his work; now applied to each of a limited or arbitrary number of careful impressions made from the finished plate before the printing of the ordinary issue, and usually before the inscription is added (in full, proof before letter(s)).artist's proof or engraver's proof, a proof taken for examination or alteration by the artist or engraver; signed proof, an early proof signed by the artist. letter proof or lettered proof, a proof with the signatures of the artist and engraver, and the inscription. marked, remarque, touched, trial, wax proof: see these words.1797Encycl.Brit.(ed.3) XV. 590/1Proofs of Prints were anciently a few impressions taken off in the course of an engraver's process,..and when they were complete.1853‘C. Bede’Verdant Green vii,The panels were covered with the choicest engravings (all proofs-before-letters).1890Pall Mall G. 26 Apr. 3/1An artist's proof..originally meant that proof of an engraving which was sent to the artist for approval and remarks. But the term..is now applied to a certain number of early impressions carefully made, and signed by the artist.b.Photogr.A first or trial print taken from a plate; also used as equivalent to print (n.13).1855T. F. HardwichPhotogr.Chem.v. 50It is necessary to remove the unaltered Chloride or Iodide of Silver which surrounds the image, in order to render the proof permanent.Ibid.x. 180On the use of the hyposulphite of gold in colouring photographic proofs.1948C. AbelBusiness ofPhotogr.xxxix. 357Ownership of the proofs submitted by a portrait photographer to a customer has long been a matter of argument in the profession.1960Mortensen & DunhamHow to pose Model (ed.3) xii. 152As soon as you have picked out the proofs that you want to make into prints, destroy all the others.14.†A coin or medal struck as a test of the die (obs.); also, one of a limited number of early impressions of coins struck as specimens.These often have their edges left plain and not milled; they may also be executed in a metal different from that used for the actual coin.1762–71H. WalpoleVertue'sAnecd.Paint. (1786) III. 176On the proofs were the king's and queen's heads on different sides, with a rose, a ship, &c. but in 1694 it was resolved, that the heads should be coupled, and Britannia be on the reverse.1889J. AtkinsCoins & Tokens of Possessions & Colonies ofBrit.Empire 5Proofs exist of both these pieces.1901DailyChron.4 Nov. 5/1A limited number were issued to certain collectors with unmilled edges—these coins being called ‘proofs’—a course which was followed in the Jubilee issue.1920Brit.NumismaticsJrnl.1918 IV. 131The same artist issued proofs either for a sixpence or a farthing.1969Times 21 July p. v/4Proofs (special coins struck from highly polished dies mainly for collectors) have been issued for this denomination.1977Times 5 May 20/2Jubilee crown proofs are in silver.15.An instrument, vessel, or the like for testing.†a.A surgeon's probe. Obs.rare^—0.(Perhaps only an etymologizing invention of Cotgrave.)1611Cotgr.,Curette, a Chirurgions Proofe, or Probe; an instrument wherewith he sounds the bladder[etc.].1656BlountGlossogr.,Probe or Proof (theFr.call it curette) a Chyrurgeons Instrument, wherewith he tries the depth of wounds[etc.].b.(a) A test-tube. (b) An apparatus for testing the strength of gunpowder.1790Crawford inPhil.Trans.LXXX. 397A portion of the cancerous virus, diffused through distilled water, was introduced into a small proof.Ibid.406The liquor..was put into a proof, to the bottom of which heat was applied.1800Ibid.XC. 207A common gunpowder proof, capable of containing eleven grains of fine gunpowder, was filled with it, and fired in the usual way.1828Brande inLancet 7 June 292/1Here are some little phials, called in the glass⁓houses proofs.c1860FaradayForcesNat.ii. 197 note,Thick Glass Vessels..called Proofs or Bologna phials.†16.Typog.A definite number of ems placed in the composing-stick as a pattern of the length of the line. Obs.[The width of pages is expressed according to the number of ‘ems’. Encycl.Brit. 1888.]1683MoxonMech.Exerc., Printing xvi,He sets up his Prooves in the Composing-stick.17.Bookbinding. The rough uncut edges of the shorter or narrower leaves of a book, left in trimming it to show that it has not been cut down.1890J. W. ZaehnsdorfBookbinding 57A few leaves should always be left not cut with the plough, to show that the book has not been cut down. These few leaves are called proof, and are always a mark of careful work.1908A. W. PollardLet.to Editor,Our binder's head man tells me that when I write ‘not to be cropped’ he translates it to the men under him as ‘leave proof’.IV.18.attrib.and Comb.a.GeneralCombs.in senses 1–4, as proof needle, proof object, proof paper, proof passage, proof patch, proof piece, proof test, proof text; proof-producing, proof-proofadjs.; in sense 4, as proof-testvb.; in sense 9, as proof-butts, proof-charge, proof-ground, proof-house, proof-master, proof-mortar (mortarn.¹), proof-sleigh; in senses 12–14, as proof coin, proof copy, proof-correctvb., to correct in proof, proof-correcting, proof-correction, proof-corrector, proof-galley, proof impression, proof-plate (platen.6 b), proof print, proof-printer, proof-puller, proof-pulling, proof set, proof stage, proof state.1907DailyChron.3 Jan. 7/1A serious accident..at the *proof butts on Plumstead Marshes.1727SwiftArtPol.LyingWks.1755 III. i. 122A proof-lye is like a *proof-charge for a piece of ordnance, to try a standard credulity.1894Field 9 June 815/1The proof-charge of powder with the 4-bore is 50 percent.greater than the proof-charge of the 8-bore.1949W. H. SheldonEarlyAmer.Cents 1793–1814 i. 39*Proof coins were never struck for circulation... Proofs were first used as presentation pieces.1969Coin Investor 18 Jan. 3/1The difference between a proof coin and a brilliant uncirculated one is that a proof coin has been specially struck on a highly polished die.1976National Observer (U.S.) 17 Jan. 17/4 (Advt.),Highly sought after by collectors, Proof coins are the ultimate expression of the mintingart.Dies and solid gold blanks are polished by hand to a mirror finish.1806ScottLet.Oct. (1932) I. 327,I would like to see them in the *proof copy in case any minute alterations may yet occur to me.1975A. PowellHearing Secret Harmonies ii. 66He held under his arm what looked like the proof copy of a book.1803LambLet.to Coleridge 20 Mar.,I feel myself..accessory to the selection, which I am to *proof-correct.1890Pall Mall G. 29 Aug. 2/1To have it written by other people in time for himself to proof-correct it.1850W. M. ThackerayLet.June in H. Ritchie Lett.A. T. Ritchie (1924) iii. 29Then comes printing and *proof correcting & so forth.1855H. MartineauAutobiog.II. 40,I highly enjoyed the proof-correcting.1905A. E. BurnNiceta of RemesianaPref.3Little leisure for *proof-correction.1940Chambers'sTechn.Dict.677/2Proof corrections, additions or emendations to a proof. They should be made in ink, and clearly indicated in the margin.1978Hart's Rules for Compositors & Readers (ed.38) 34 (heading)Proof-correction marks.1928L. P. SmithWords & Idioms 162We are becoming more and more the slaves of schoolmasters and *proof-correctors.1932A. E. HousmanLet.19 June (1971) 322On p. 32 the proof-corrector has again given directions for making a change which ought not to be made.1896T. L. De VinneMoxon'sMech.Exerc., Printing 407The long *proof-galley of brass.1712Lond.Gaz.No.5026/7The Place now used for a *Proof-house.1846GreenerSc.Gunnery 203The Company of Gunmakers of the City of London instituted a proof-house, at which the barrels of respectable makers were all sent to be proved.1891Daily News 29 Apr. 5/6There are in Europe five ‘proving houses’ or testing places for firearms. Of the Birmingham and London proof houses all people have heard.1806–7J. BeresfordMiseries Hum. Life (1826) ix. xxii,*Proof impressions of the grain of the footman's thumb printed off..upon the rim of your plate.1910Connoisseur Oct. 93/1How to distinguish Proof Impressions.1707ChamberlaynePres.St.Eng.iii. xi. 379To see that all Provisions received, be good and serviceable, and duly proved, with the Assistance of..the *Proof-Masters, and marked with the Queen's Mark.1833J. HollandManuf.Metal II. 95Government authorised the gun-makers of Birmingham to erect a proof-house of their own, with wardens and a proof-master.1839UreDict.Arts 626The result of more than two hundred discharges with the *proof-mortar.1849NoadElectricity (ed.3) 285Suspending a small *proof needle, with a silk fibre, and causing it to oscillate horizontally opposite different points of a magnetic bar placed vertically.1837Goring & PritchardMicrogr. 93Directions..for the management of *proof-objects in the Amician catadioptric engiscope.1759H. WalpoleLet.to G. Montagu 17 Nov.,You shall see the documents, as it is the fashion to call *proof papers.1895SalmondChr.Doctr.Immort. iv. iii. 456Taken as one of the primary *proof-passages for the dogma of the Descent to Hell.1816KeatingeTrav.I. 11 note,This place is a residue of a wreck of nature; it is a *proof-patch of former level.1594J. DickensonArisbas (1878) 41It seemed nature and vertue..had conspired to make her a peere-lesse *proofe⁓peece of their vnited perfections.1783F. BurneyDiary 10 Jan.,Mr. Seward has sent me a *proof plate..of an extremely fine impression of this dear Doctor[Johnson].1818–60WhatelyCommpl.Bk.(1864) 231[This]you can prove (to any one who is not *proof-proof).1899Daily News 20 Nov. 11/6*Proofpuller seeks situation, Press, assist Machine, or other offer.1900Ibid.12 Oct. 10/3Man (young) wanted, in printing office, for *proof-pulling.1879H. PhillipsNotes Coins 14A number of fine *proof sets, and coins, of the United States mint.1895F. M. FordLet.(1965) 8You may tell Longmans that W.M.R. had offered to revise my chapters as they go to Press wh. is better than in the *proof stage I shd. think.1966N. Nicolson in H. NicolsonDiaries &Lett., 1930–1939 118The name had to be altered again..at proof-stage.1910Connoisseur Oct. 93/2To such a man even the names of the various *proof states must be a source of bewilderment.1683PettusFletaMin.i. (1686) 15You must..have a Frame, in which you may heat the *Proof-Tests and Crucibles.1951Sun (Baltimore) 30 Jan. 5/3Their major purpose..is to proof-test some slide-rule work being done by nuclear physicists and weapons experts.1847Webster,*Proof-text.1874H. R. ReynoldsJohn Bapt. iv. vi. 262Modern criticism has submitted the ‘proof-texts’..to stringent examination.1904H. A. A. KennedySt.Paul's Concept. Last Things vi. 310Solitary proof-texts have wrought more havoc in theology than all the heresies.b.SpecialCombs.: proof-arm v. nonce-wd.[? back-formation from proof armour], trans.to arm in or as in armour of proof; †proof-favour, favour or goodwill strong as armour of proof; proof-gallon, a gallon of proof-spirit; proof-glass, a deep cylindrical glass for holding liquids while under test; proof-leaf,=proof-sheet; also, the sheet of paper by means of which coloured designs are transferred from the engraved plate to the biscuit in pottery-making; proof-letter, a letter cast to test the accuracy of the type-mould; proof load Mech., a load which a structure must be able to bear without exceeding specified limits of deformation; loosely, proof stress; proof-man (Sc.), one whose profession is to estimate the content of corn-stacks; proof-mark,†(a) in testing powder, a mark made on the ribbon by which the recoil is measured, showing the strength of powder of the standard quality (obs.); (b) a mark impressed on a fire-arm to show that it has passed the test; proof-plane, a small flat or disk-shaped conductor fixed on an insulating handle, used in measuring the electrification of any body; proof-plug: seequot.; proof-press, a press or machine used for taking proofs of type; proof-read v.trans., to read (printer's proofs) and mark errors for correction; hence proof-read ppl.a.; proof-reader, one whose business is to read through printer's proofs and mark errors for correction;=reader 2 b; so proof-reading vbl.n.andppl.a.; proof-slip Typog.=proof-sheet; proof-sphere: seequot.; proof-staff, a metal straight-edge for testing or adjusting the ordinary wooden instrument (Knight Dict.Mech.1875); proof-stick, a rod by means of which a sample of the contents of a vacuum sugar-boiler may be taken without admitting air; proof strain Mech., the strain produced by the proof stress; loosely, proof stress; proof strength,=sense 11; proof stress Mech., the stress required to produce a specified permanent deformation of a material or structure; proof theory(seequot.1942); hence proof-theoretic a., of or pertaining to proof theory; proof-theoretically adv., in a proof-theoretic manner; proof timber: seequot.; proof vinegar, vinegar of standard strength.a1625FletcherHum. Lieut. ii. iii,She..is a delicate and knows it; And out of that *proof-arms herself.1621―Pilgrim ii. ii,All your glories in the full Meridian, The King's *proof-favour buckled on your body.1907Westm.Gaz.18 Feb. 11/1The total consumption of spirits in the United Kingdom during the past year amounted to 39,302,480 *proof gallons.1765H. JacksonEss.Brit.Isinglass 73We likewise advise them to a serious Perusal of our new-invented *Proof-glasses.1848Knickerbocker XVIII. 380With what profound deliberation he drew his proof-glass from the bung-hole of a brandy-pipe.1839UreDict.Arts 1017s.v.Pottery,The copper-plate is now passed through the engraver's cylinder press, the *proof leaf is lifted off and..[applied]to the surface of the biscuit.1683MoxonMech.Exerc., Printing xvii. ⁋2Then he Casts a *Proof-Letter or two.1858W. J. M. RankineMan.Appl.Mech.ii. iii. 287The toughness of the bar, or the extension corresponding to the *proof load.1930Engineering 21 Feb. 241/2This working load is equivalent to one-half the proof load, which again is almost one-half the ultimate strength of the chain.1973A. ParrishMech.Engineer'sRef.Bk.xii. 5A ‘proof load’ is a specified load which a lifting appliance shall withstand without showing permanent set exceeding a specified amount or showing other defect.1813W. LeslieAgric.Surv.Nairn & Moray 180The quantity of grain is ascertained by the *proof-man, a professional character in the country.1781Phil.Trans.LXXI. i. 300If the ribbon is drawn out as far or farther than the *proof mark, the powder is as good or better than the standard.1858GreenerGunnery 251On arms of the first and third classes the definitive proof mark and view mark shall be impressed at the breech end of the barrel.1855MillerElem.Chem.I. 284Bring the *proof plane..into contact with any part of the outer surface of the metallic can, and an abundant charge will be obtained.1873MaxwellElectr.&Magn.(1881) I. 315This disk, when employed in this way, is called Coulomb's Proof Plane.1875KnightDict.Mech.,*Proof-plug, a plug screwed temporarily into the breech of a gun-barrel to be proved.1899MackailLife Morris II. 253A *proof-press and a printing-press were set up there.1933G. SteinAutobiogr. Alice B. Toklas v. 139A good many years later Jane Heap said that she had never appreciated the quality of Gertrude Stein's work until she *proof-read it.1937W. Follett inAtlantic Monthly Jan. 49/1The New York Times..is..the most nearly proofread of the larger metropolitan dailies.1951L. HellmanAutumn Garden i. 14His publishers..want the manuscript... I'll have to proofread it with him tonight.1964F. BowersBibliogr.& TextualCrit.iv. iv. 126The automatic assumption is surely wrong that every forme of cheap commercial printing was necessarily proof-read.1966‘H. B. Taylor’Triumvirate xx. 115The galleys of proofread type.1976TimesLit.Suppl.2 July 813/4It is smoothly written, although no better illustrated than Professor Donohue's survey..and far less well proofread.1855I. C. PrayMem.J. G. Bennet 41From this post he was transferred to that of a *proof-reader in the printing-house of Wells & Lilly.1883Harper'sMag.Feb. 469/2A new proof-reader seemed to be needed.1907DailyChron.4 Apr. 6/6Thomas Bailey Aldrich..entered literature as a ‘proof-reader’. That is the American equivalent of our ‘corrector to the Press’ or ‘printer's reader’.1852Geo.Eliot Let.15 June (1954) II. 36Between theatre-going and *proof-reading, my spiritual eyes are burning as dim and bleared as gas-lights.1937W. Follett inAtlantic Monthly Jan. 49/2Such a thing it is to be equipped, or cursed, with the proofreading eye.1977Early Music Oct. 470/2Manuscripts..A and B show more evidence of proofreading.1883‘Mark Twain’Lett.to Publishers (1967) 162You must glance through all the *proof-slips..for..I have added footnotes and other stuff which you have not seen.1967Cox & GroseOrganiz. & HandlingBibliogr.Rec.by Computer v. 118The material along with the worksheet and the LC proof slip or the Title II card..is then routed to the Catalogue Department... All books for which there are proof slips or Title II depository cards are processed.1902SloaneStand.Electr.Dict.,*Proof-sphere, a small sphere, coated with gold-leaf or other conductor, and mounted on an insulated handle. It is used instead of a proof-plane, for testing bodies whose curvature is small.1839UreDict.Arts 1206The *proof-stick, an ingenious brass rod for taking out a sample of syrup without admitting air.1858W. J. M. RankineMan.Appl.Mech.ii. iii. 273Resilience or Spring is the quantity of mechanical work required to produce the *proof strain.1862[see proof stress below].1888J. G. HornerLockwood'sDict.Mech.Engin.Terms 268A proof strain would in all cases be short of that which would have a crippling effect.1811Niles'Reg.I. 311/1The same process repeated until the ley has acquired *proof strength.1905DailyChron.29 July 4/5Spirits, however, are always sold below, and generally considerably below, ‘proof’ strength.1862W. J. M. RankineMan.CivilEngin.ii. i. 226Resilience, or Spring..is the quantity of mechanical work required to produce the *proof-stress on a given piece of material, and is equal to the product of the proof strain, or alteration of figure, into the mean load which acts during the production of that strain; that is to say, in general, very nearly one-half of the proof load.1935Discovery Apr. 112/2By the use of aluminium alloy with a ·1 percent.proof stress of 17 tons per square inch instead of the 15 tons per square inch alloy now used, the hull weight of such a[flying]boat could be kept as low as 12½ percent.of the total weight.1962BSI News June 12/1Qualities of steels determined by the ratio of the 0·2 per cent proof stress at elevated temperatures to the minimum tensile strength at room temperature.1952S. C. KleeneIntrod.Metamath. xiv. 213The *proof-theoretic equivalents provability and irrefutability refer only to the enumerable infinity of formal proofs... The set-theoretic notions are actually equivalent to the proof-theoretic ones.1967―Math.Logic 118The proof-theoretic approach to the predicate calculus.1952―Introd.Metamath. xiv. 425The axioms are ‘consistent’ *proof-theoretically.1967―Math.Logic 118We now develop some of the further results proof-theoretically.1942D. D. RunesDict.Philos.255/2*Proof theory. The formalization of mathematical proof by means of a logistic system..makes possible an objective theory of proofs and provability, in which proofs are treated as concrete manipulations of formulas (and no use is made of meanings of formulas).1969Listener 10 July 44/2The analogy he was using was one with proof theory in logic, where from initial axioms and rules of inference you can produce true theorems—rather like doing geometry exercises in school.1979Sci.Amer.Oct. 138/3For this purpose Hilbert introduced a new theory called proof theory, or metamathematics, in which meaningful statements about the meaningless signs and configurations of the axiomatic system could be formulated.c1850Rudim.Navig.(Weale) 139*Proof timber, an imaginary timber, expressed by vertical lines in the sheer draught, similar to the joints of the square timbers, and used nearly forward and aft, to prove the fairness of the body.1839UreDict.Arts 13An excise duty of 2d. is levied on every gallon of..*proof vinegar.▪ II.proof,a.(adv.)|pruːf|Forms: seeprec.[Then.used asadj.,app.by ellipsis of of:cf.prec.10.]1.Of tried strength or quality; esp.of armour: of tested power of resistance; hence transf.and fig.strong, impenetrable, impervious, invulnerable. Const. against, to. †proof o' shot, proof against shot; inquot.fig.1592Shakes.Rom.& Jul. ii. ii. 73Looke thou but sweete, And I am proofe against their enmity.1607―Cor.i. iv. 25Now..fight With hearts more proofe then Shields.1631Heywood2ndPt.Fair Maid of West iii. Chorus,With two proofe targets arm'd.1656Earl of Monmouthtr.Boccalini'sAdvts.fr.Parnass.i. xxxix. (1674) 53Venice..is fortified, and armed with the proof-Armor of Marishes and Washes.1667MiltonP.L. ix. 298Not incorruptible of Faith, not prooff Against temptation.1697Drydenæneid iii. 317The fated Skin is proof to Wounds.1711SteeleSpect.No.41 ⁋5Proof against the Charms of her Wit and Conversation.1728RamsayThere's my Thumb i,A heart..proof a-shot to birth or money.1785BurnsTo J. Smith i,Ne'er a bosom yet was prief Against your arts.1810ScottLady of L. ii. xix,Proof to the tempest's shock.1835LyttonRienzi x. iv,Dearer..than he had ever yet found the proofest steel of Milan.1871Routledge's Ev. Boy'sAnn.June 344Their thick scales..are proof against every missile.b.Often used as the second element in compounds, as bomb-proof, bullet-proof, fire-proof, plot-proof, rain-proof, shot-proof, sound-proof, thief-proof, waterproof, weather-proof, etc., and many occasional or nonce formations.1602ManninghamDiary (Camden) 61Such a one is clarret proofe, i.e. a good wine-bibber.1662HickeringillApol.DistressedInnoc.Wks.1716 I. 297The old Powder-Plotters..are shot-free and Justice-proof by a pious charm.1709Brit.Apollo II.No.19. 3/1You're Impudence-Proof.1824MackintoshSp.Ho.Com.15 June,Wks.1846 III. 468Is he bullet-proof or bayonet-proof? or does he wear a coat of mail?1901Westm.Gaz.7 Jan. 5/1If the heavy mackintosh overalls were expletive-proof as well as snow⁓proof it would not be a bad thing.1903DailyChron.3 Mar. 5/1Fire-proof, and burglar-proof, and every other proof, except visitor proof!2.Of distilled alcoholic liquors: Of standard strength;cf.proofn.11. See proof-spirit.1709Brit.Apollo II.No.7. 2/2Rectify'd Spirits are Proof.†B.adv.To the fullest extent; to the utmost; utterly, entirely:cf.to the proof (proofn.10).1613Fletcher, etc.Captain i. ii,Such distemper'd spirits Once out of motion, though they be proof-valiant.1621―Isl. Princess iii. i,Looks melancholy Wondrous proof melancholy. [1875RuskinFors Clav. lv. 197She had busy blood..but, with that, well-conducted and proof-faithful[transl.F. fidèle à toute épreuve].]▪ III.proof,v.|pruːf|[f.proofn.or a.]1.trans.To test, prove.a.Sc.To estimate the content of (a corn-stack);cf.proof-mans.v.proofn.18 b.1834H. MillerScenes &Leg.x. (1869) 146He was engaged in what is called proofing the stacks of a cornyard.b.To take a proof impression of (an engraved plate, or the like):=prove v. 1 e.1884World 3 Dec. 15/2The outcome is a masterpiece of etching, which is being ‘proofed’.c.To aerate (dough) by the action of yeast before baking.Cf.prove v. 1 g.1875Encycl.Brit.III. 253/2After this laborious process the finished dough is covered over for some time..during which fermentation again begins, and the mass is ‘proofed’.1972Countryman Autumn 45There were three ovens, one above the other, in our bakehouse. The bottom one was small and used only for proofing buns and certain cakes.d.=proof-readvb.s.v.proofn.18 b.1960Times 16 Feb. 6/1Bristol set its own papers and printed and proofed them in the city.1974R. C. DennisConversations with Corpse viii. 70Arenas was reading a pink report, making occasional corrections of grammar or punctuation... He handed me the pages he had already proofed.1979A. EassonElizabeth Gaskell i. 44William also proofed much of her work.2.To render proof against or impervious to something; esp.to render (a fabric or article of dress) impervious to water, to waterproof.1885C. G. W. LockWorkshop ReceiptsSer.iv. 3/1Fabrics which are to be ‘proofed’ by spreading.Hence proofed ppl.a.; ˈproofing vbl.n.1902Brit.Med.Jrnl.15 Feb. 378/1Proofing or stiffening is of two kinds: (a) Water Proofing is done with shellac and resin dissolved in water with borax.Ibid.378/2The process of spirit⁓proofing and the subsequent drying of the ‘proofed’ hats.1904Ibid.17 Sept. 635/2The..draining of a single pool,..the ‘proofing’ of a single room.1909Westm.Gaz.3 Sept. 5/2Dr. Bartsch, of the Royal Proofing Office at Great Lichterfelde, communicates the result of experiments he has made in disinfecting large quantities of books with hot air.1940Chambers'sTechn.Dict.678/1Proofed tape, cotton cloth coated with a rubber compound, wrapped round rubber-insulated cables.1953NewsChron.2 June 2/2Squatting..in the light-weight (six pound) proofed cotton nylon tents.1957Times 20 Dec. 19/2The moth-proofing of wool, the rot-proofing of jute, the mould-proofing of paint.1958TimesLit.Suppl.18 Apr. 214/5We are told nothing about the special proofings of the Second World War volumes.1976H. WilsonGovernance of Britain viii. 157The Conservative leader is fairly well proofed against trouble with the[party]machinery.1977Broadcast 13 June 7/2There were..only ten days between the signature of the Report and its proofing and publication.