Etymology Map
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Trial

2 stages from Anglo-French to English.

Today it means a formal examination in a court; a test

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

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

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.