artist's proof

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

1.Any effort, process, or operation designed to establish or discover a fact or truth; an act of testing; a test; a trial. [1913 Webster]

For whatsoever mother wit or art Could work, he put in proof.— Spenser.[1913 Webster]

You shall have many proofs to show your skill.— Ford.[1913 Webster]

Formerly, a very rude mode of ascertaining the strength of spirits was practiced, called the proof.— Ure.[1913 Webster]

2.That degree of evidence which convinces the mind of any truth or fact, and produces belief; a test by facts or arguments that induce, or tend to induce, certainty of the judgment; conclusive evidence; demonstration. [1913 Webster]

I'll have some proof.— Shak.[1913 Webster]

It is no proof of a man's understanding to be able to confirm whatever he pleases.— Emerson.[1913 Webster]

Note: Properly speaking, proof is the effect or result of evidence, evidence is the medium of proof. Cf. Demonstration, 1. [1913 Webster]

3.The quality or state of having been proved or tried; firmness or hardness that resists impression, or does not yield to force; impenetrability of physical bodies. [1913 Webster]

4.Firmness of mind; stability not to be shaken. [1913 Webster]

5.(Print.) A trial impression, as from type, taken for correction or examination; -- called also proof sheet. [1913 Webster]

6.(Math.) A process for testing the accuracy of an operation performed. Cf. Prove, v. t., 5. [1913 Webster]

7.Armor of excellent or tried quality, and deemed impenetrable; properly, armor of proof. [Obs.] --Shak. [1913 Webster]

Artist's proof, a very early proof impression of an engraving, or the like; -- often distinguished by the artist's signature.

Proof reader, one who reads, and marks correction in, proofs. See def. 5, above. [1913 Webster]

Syn: Testimony; evidence; reason; argument; trial; demonstration. See Testimony. [1913 Webster]