Trial  n. 1 judicial examination and determination of issues between parties by a judge with or without a jury. 2 test (will give you a trial). 3 trying thing or person (trials of old age). 4 match held to select players for a team. 5 (often in pl.) Contest involving performance by horses, dogs, motor cycles, etc.  on trial 1 being tried in a court of law. 2 being tested; to be chosen or retained only if suitable. [anglo-french: related to *try]