[Jonty30]

Ok, stupid question time.

What is a proving ground?

[Bigg Red]

proving ground

noun

any place, context, or area for testing something, as a piece of scientific equipment, a theory, etc.

Origin:
1940–45

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/proving+ground

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We live in Maryland. Aberdeen Proving Ground is about 20 miles away, as the crow flies, and we hear their guns and such frequently.