late 14c., "observation as the source of knowledge; actual observation; an event which has affected one," from Old French esperience "experiment, proof, experience" (13c.), from Latin experientia "a trial, proof, experiment; knowledge gained by repeated trials," from experientem (nominative experiens) "experienced, enterprising, active, industrious," present participle of experiri "to try, test," from ex- "out of" (see ex-) + peritus "experienced, tested," from PIE root *per- (3) "to lead, pass over" (see peril). Meaning "state of having done something and gotten handy at it" is from late 15c.

1530s, "to test, try, learn by practical trial or proof;" see experience, n.. Sense of "feel, undergo" first recorded 1580s. Related: Experienced; experiences; experiencing.