English

Noun

ballon d'essai ‎(plural ballons d'essai)

1. A policy put forward to test reactions; something designed to test the waters, an experimental measure. [from 19th c.]
   • 1971, Keith Thomas, Religion and the Decline of Magic, Folio Society 2012, p. 193:

     James II may even have planned the reintroduction of the ceremony, for in his reign the old order of service was resurrected and issued in print, as a ballon d'essai, though the Revolution prevented matters being taken any further.

French

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ba.lɔ̃.dɛ.sɛ/

Noun

ballon d'essai m ‎(plural ballons d'essai)

1. ballon d'essai, trial balloon