trade-testv.
/ˈtreɪd tɛst/, U.S. /ˈtreɪd ˌtɛst/ 1. transitive. To subject (esp. a person) to a trade test.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > endeavour > trial or experiment > trial, test, or testing > try or test [verb (transitive)] > test (a person) > his accomplishments > specific
trade-test1914
1914 Manch. Guardian 26 Nov. 2/2 (advt.) Candidates will receive a railway warrant to Woolwich, where they will be trade tested.
1959 Observer 31 May 6/8 This pay starts in the open camp—no guards, no wire, no warders—at 30s. monthly plus rations. When detainees thus become ‘restrictees’ they are trade tested and trained for various jobs as clerks or artisans.
2003 A. Abramson Hist. Television, 1942–2000 vii. 110/1 It was announced that Eastman Kodak was trade testing videotape in New York City.
2. intransitive. To carry out a trade test. rare.
ΚΠ
1960 I. Jefferies Dignity & Purity vi. 122 Once it had become apparent that I wasn't trade-testing..they [sc. the workmen]..did me the favour of answering the questions I..put.
Derivatives
ˈtrade-ˌtesting adj. and n.
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1916 Illustr. London News 29 Jan. 22/3 A special party of the R.F.C..., with trade-testing non-commissioned officers and men..will be installed.
1918 Fort Wayne (Indiana) News & Sentinel 19 Feb. 8/3 The industrial soldiers enrolled in his service are all sent to schools for trade testing.
1968 A. F. Young Social Services Brit. Industry ii. 38 America, where trade testing on a big scale for military recruiting purposes was introduced early in the century.
2010 M. Marope Educ. Syst. Swaziland iv. 65 Trade testing tends to focus on the certification of lower level skills... Between 600 and 800 people undertake trade tests each year and these cover 21 occupations.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2015; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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