2. Firm or successful in resisting; as, proof against harm;
waterproof; bombproof.
I . . . have found thee Proof against all
temptation. --Milton.
This was a good, stout proof article of faith.
--Burke.
3. Being of a certain standard as to strength; -- said of
alcoholic liquors.
For whatsoever mother wit or art Could work, he put
in proof. --Spenser.
You shall have many proofs to show your skill.
--Ford.
Formerly, a very rude mode of ascertaining the
strength of spirits was practiced, called the proof.
--Ure.
2. That degree of evidence which convinces the mind of any
truth or fact, and produces belief; a test by facts or
arguments that induce, or tend to induce, certainty of the
judgment; conclusive evidence; demonstration.
It is no proof of a man's understanding to be able
to confirm whatever he pleases. --Emerson.
Note: Properly speaking, proof is the effect or result of
evidence, evidence is the medium of proof. Cf.
{Demonstration}, 1.
3. The quality or state of having been proved or tried;
firmness or hardness that resists impression, or does not
yield to force; impenetrability of physical bodies.
4. Firmness of mind; stability not to be shaken.
5. (Print.) A trial impression, as from type, taken for
correction or examination; -- called also {proof sheet}.
6. (Math.) A process for testing the accuracy of an operation
performed. Cf. {Prove}, v. t., 5.
7. Armor of excellent or tried quality, and deemed
impenetrable; properly, armor of proof. [Obs.] --Shak.
{Artist's proof}, a very early proof impression of an
engraving, or the like; -- often distinguished by the
artist's signature.
{Proof reader}, one who reads, and marks correction in,
proofs. See def. 5, above.
Syn: Testimony; evidence; reason; argument; trial;
demonstration. See {Testimony}.