Толковый словарь английского языка Oxford English Reference - proof

n., adj., & v. --n. 1 facts, evidence, argument, etc. establishing or helping to establish a fact (proof of their honesty; no proof that he was there). 2 Law the spoken or written evidence in a trial. 3 a demonstration or act of proving (not capable of proof; in proof of my assertion). 4 a test or trial (put them to the proof; the proof of the pudding is in the eating). 5 the standard of strength of distilled alcoholic liquors. 6 Printing a trial impression taken from type or film, used for making corrections before final printing. 7 the stages in the resolution of a mathematical or philosophical problem. 8 each of a limited number of impressions from an engraved plate before the ordinary issue is printed and usu. (in full proof before letters) before an inscription or signature is added. 9 a photographic print made for selection etc. 10 Sc. Law a trial before a judge instead of by a jury. --adj. 1 impervious to penetration, ill effects, etc. (proof against the severest weather; his soul is proof against corruption). 2 (in comb.) able to withstand damage or destruction by a specified agent (soundproof; childproof). 3 being of proof alcoholic strength. 4 (of armour) of tried strength. --v.tr. 1 make (something) proof, esp. make (fabric) waterproof. 2 make a proof of (a printed work, engraving, etc.). Phrases and idioms above proof (of alcohol) having a stronger than standard strength. proof-plane a small flat conductor on an insulating handle for measuring the electrification of a body. proof positive absolutely certain proof. proof-sheet a sheet of printer's proof. proof spirit a mixture of alcohol and water having proof strength. Derivatives proofless adj. Etymology: ME prof prove, earlier pref etc. f. OF proeve, prueve f. LL proba f. L probare (see PROVE; adj. and sometimes v. formed app. by ellipsis f. phr. of proof = proved to be impenetrable