trial-n; 4 Senses

Sense Number 1: event of testing

Commentary: TRIAL[+event] test, run - the act of testing something or undergoing testing

Examples:
In the experimental trials the amount of carbon was measured separately.
He called each flip of the coin a new trial.
He survived the great test of battle.
Candidates must compete in a trial of skill.
A sample of ten days free trial.
A trial of progesterone failed to relieve the pain.

Mappings:
PropBank: trial.01
WordNet 2.0 Sense Numbers: 2 5 7

Sense Number 2: tribulation

Commentary: TRIAL[+event] visitation - an annoying or frustrating or catastrophic event

Examples:
His mother-in-law's visits were a great trial for him.
Life is full of trials and tribulations.
The trials of parenthood are overwhelming.

Mappings:
PropBank: NM
WordNet 2.0 Sense Numbers: 6

Sense Number 3: law: legal proceedings

Commentary: TRIAL[+event] (law) legal proceedings consisting of the judicial examination of issues by a competent tribunal

Examples:
His trial lasted almost a whole month.
Most of these complaints are settled before they go to trial.
He had a fair trial and the jury found him guilty.

Mappings:
PropBank: trial.02
WordNet 2.0 Sense Numbers: 1 4

Sense Number 4: sports: competition

Commentary: TRIAL[+event] (sports) a preliminary competition to determine qualifications

Examples:
The trials for the semifinals began yesterday.

Mappings:
PropBank: NM
WordNet 2.0 Sense Numbers: 3