Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun In Greek antiquity, particularly at Athens, a judicial inquiry into the civic standing, character, and previous life of all persons elected for public office, of youths applying for enrolment on the list of full citizens, of persons aiming at political leadership, etc.
  • noun The art or practice of assaying metals, or the art of separating metals from foreign matters, and of determining the nature and quantity of metallic substances contained in any ore or mineral.
  • noun The art of ascertaining the nature and properties of medicines and poisons, or of ascertaining certain facts pertaining to physiology.

Etymologies

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Examples

  • The statute of docimasy ... consisting of proposed amendment to the constitution of the state of New York and its instrument,: The public office holder's ... public trust and avert official corruption by J.

    How to Celebrate Constitution Day 2008

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  • Experimental testing or inquiry. (From Luciferous Logolepsy)

    June 9, 2008

  • n.¹, (Greek antiquity:) a judicial inquiry (esp. at Athens) into the character and antecedents of aspirants for public office or citizenship.

    n.², The art or practice of assaying metallic ores, i.e., of separating the metallic substance from foreign admixture, and determining the nature and quantity of constituent metal.

    n.³, The art of ascertaining the properties and purity of drugs; also, of determining by physiological tests whether a child has been born alive or not.

    September 3, 2008

  • JM wonders what's up with docimasy that means it's so undecided.

    September 27, 2010