v. Obs. [ad. OF. esprove-r (mod.F. éprouver), f. es-:—L. ex- out + prouver to prove. Cf. Pr. esproar.] trans. (refl.) To make trial of (oneself, one’s strength).
1480. Caxton, Ovid’s Met., X. viii. Yf ye wil have worship or loos … esprove you agaynst me.
c. 1500. Melusine, 224. Somme castyng the barre of yron, other held theire spere & shild and esprouued them self that one on þat other.
