Es*say" (?), v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Essayed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Essaying.][F. essayer. See Essay, n.]

1. To exert one's power or faculties upon; to make an effort to perform; to attempt; to endeavor; to make experiment or trial of; to try.
     What marvel if I thus essay to sing? --Byron.
     Essaying nothing she can not perform. --Emerson.
     A danger lest the young enthusiast…should essay the impossible. --J. C. Shairp.

2. To test the value and purity of (metals); to assay. See Assay. [Obs.] Locke.