field trial

noun

a competition among sporting dogs under natural conditions in the field, in which the animals are judged on the basis of excellence of performance in hunting.
a trial of a new product or procedure to determine its efficiency or usefulness in actual performance.

field trial

hunting a test of or contest between gun dogs to determine their proficiency and standard of training in retrieving or pointing
often plural a test to display performance, efficiency, or durability, as of a vehicle or invention

First recorded in 1840–50

He told them stories of historic events in the field-trial game, and then sent them to bed.

Old field-trial fans told Mr. Hartshorn afterward that they had never witnessed a prettier contest than that one.

Romulus he mentioned favorably in passing, referring to his enviable field-trial record.

Romulus came to be pointed out to strangers as a coming field-trial champion, and Remus as a famous bench-show winner.

"We want to know what a field trial is, how it is run, and what the dogs do," said Ernest.

April 25, 2024firkin

[fur-kin ]

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