Mawson, C.O.S., ed. (1870–1938). Roget’s International Thesaurus. 1922.
Class IV. Words Relating to the Intellectual FacultiesDivision (I) Formation of Ideas
Section II. Precursory Conditions and Operations
463. Experiment.
VERIFICATION, probation, experimentum crucis [L.], proof, criterion, diagnostic, test, crucial test; assay, ordeal.
REAGENT, crucible, check, touchstone, pyx or pix [Brit. mint], curcuma paper, turmeric paper.
EMPRICISM, rule of thumb.
FEELER; pilot -, messenger- balloon; pilot engine; scout; straw to show the wind.
SPECULATION, random shot, leap in the dark.
EXPERIMENTER, experimentist, experimentalist, assayer, analyst, analyzer; prospecter or prospector, Forty-Niner [U. S.], adventurer; speculator, gambler, stock gambler, plunger [slang].
GROPE; feel -, grope- -for, – one’s way; fumble, tâtonner [F.], aller à tâtons [F.]; put -, throw- out a feeler; send up a pilot balloon; see how the -land lies, – wind blows; consult the barometer; feel the pulse; fish for, bob for; cast -, beat- about for; angle, trawl, cast one’s net, beat the bushes.
VENTURE; try one’s fortune (adventure) [See Essay]; explore (inquire) [See Inquiry].
TRIED, tested, proved.
ON TRIAL, on examination, on or under probation, “on suspicion” [Elbert Hubbard], under suspicion; on one’s trial.