pru:v v. (past
part. proved or proven) 1 tr. (often foll. by
that + clause)
demonstrate the truth of by
evidence or
argument. 2 intr. a (usu. foll. by to + infin.) be found (it proved to be untrue). b
emerge incontrovertibly as (will prove the winner). 3 tr.
Math. test the
accuracy of (a calculation). 4 tr.
establish the genuineness
and validity of (a will). 5 intr. (of dough)
rise in bread-making. 6 tr. =
PROOF 6. 7 tr.
subject (a
gun etc.) to a testing process. 8 tr.
archaic test the qualities
of;
try. ønot proven (in
Scottish Law) a
verdict that
there is
insufficient evidence to establish
guilt or innocence. prove
oneself show one's abilities,
courage, etc. øøprovable adj. provability n. provably adv. [ME f. OF prover f. L probare test,
approve, demonstrate f. probus good]