[pruːf], (Noun)

Definitions:
- evidence or argument establishing a fact or the truth of a statement
(e.g: you will be asked to give proof of your identity)

- a trial impression of a page, taken from type or film and used for making corrections before final printing

- the strength of distilled alcoholic spirits, relative to proof spirit taken as a standard of 100
(e.g: powerful 132-proof rum)

- a test or trial of something

- a trial or a civil case before a judge without a jury


Phrases:
- the proof of the pudding is in the eating

Origin:
Middle English preve, from Old French proeve, from late Latin proba, from Latin probare ‘to test, prove’. The change of vowel in late Middle English was due to the influence of prove. Current senses of the verb date from the late 19th century

[pruːf], (Adjective)

Definitions:
- able to withstand something damaging; resistant
(e.g: the marine battle armour was proof against most weapons)

- denoting a trial impression of a page or printed work
(e.g: a proof copy is sent up for checking)


Phrases:
- the proof of the pudding is in the eating

Origin:
Middle English preve, from Old French proeve, from late Latin proba, from Latin probare ‘to test, prove’. The change of vowel in late Middle English was due to the influence of prove. Current senses of the verb date from the late 19th century

[pruːf], (Verb)

Definitions:
- make (fabric) waterproof
(e.g: if you are using a piece of lightweight canvas it will be necessary to proof the fabric when complete)

- make a proof of (a printed work, engraving, etc.)
(e.g: proof each plate and print it on acetate first)

- activate (yeast) by the addition of liquid
(e.g: proof the yeast with the teaspoon of sugar)


Phrases:
- the proof of the pudding is in the eating

Origin:
Middle English preve, from Old French proeve, from late Latin proba, from Latin probare ‘to test, prove’. The change of vowel in late Middle English was due to the influence of prove. Current senses of the verb date from the late 19th century