to try (out); to have a try (at); to test; to put to the test
as a test; as an experiment; by way of experiment; by way of trial; tentatively
the proof of the pudding is in the eating; the proof is in the pudding; don't knock it till you've tried it; you can't tell unless you try
trying out a new sword or blade (originally on someone, but now on soaked straw targets)
has never (done, occurred); there has never been an instance (where); there is no precedent (for)
trying out a pen; test-writing
online preview (of a book, magazine, etc.)
test print; test sheet; trial print run
introductory price (discounted); trial price
trial purchase; buying on trial