I.a trial, proof, experiment (class.).
I. Prop.: “experientiā tentare quaedam,” Varr. R. R. 1, 18, 8; Planc. ap. Cic. Fam. 10, 18, 3: “patrimonii amplificandi,” Cic. Rab. Post. 16, 43: “belli,” Vell. 2, 78, 2: “veri,” Ov. M. 1, 225: “fide (i. e. fidei),” id. ib. 7, 737.—
B. Effort, endeavor: “quis id approbare possit, aegritudinem suscipere pro experientia, si quid habere velis?” i. e. instead of trying to acquire it, Cic. Tusc. 4, 26, 56: “experientia patrimonii amplificandi labi,” id. Rab. Post. 16, 43.—
II. Transf., the knowledge gained by repeated trials, experimental knowledge, practice, experience (post-Aug.): ad curandi rationem nihil plus confert quam experientia, Cels. praef. med.: “Agrippa non aetate neque rerum experientia tantae moli par,” Tac. A. 1, 4: “vir longā experientiā,” id. ib. 1, 46; 13, 6; 14, 36; id. H. 2, 76; Col. 10, 338: qui cultus habendo Sit pecori; “apibus quanta experientia parcis,” Verg. G. 1, 4; cf.: “nova hominum,” id. ib. 4, 316.
