trial

Where does the word "trial" come from? It comes from Anglo-French trier, and was adopted directly into English (1500s).

Trial’s story begins in Anglo-French: trier meant “to sift, test.” The Anglo-French verb 'trier', to sift or examine, of uncertain origin; also the source of English 'try'. It reached English by 1500s as trial. 'trial and error' dates from the 1800s. Today, trial means a formal examination in a court; a test.

1. Stage 1 · Anglo-French · medieval trier "to sift, test", the Anglo-French verb 'trier', to sift or examine, of uncertain origin; also the source of English 'try'.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1500s trial "a legal examination", 'trial and error' dates from the 1800s.