transitive verb

1. to test the nature or quality of; try out
2. to try; attempt

Etymology: OFr essayer < VL *exagiare < LL exagium, a weight, weighing < ex-, out of + agere, to do: see act

noun

1. 1. a trying or testing
   2. an attempt; trial
2. a short literary composition of an analytical, interpretive, or reflective kind, dealing with its subject in a nontechnical, limited, often unsystematic way and, usually, expressive of the author's outlook and personality
3. a proposed design for a new postage stamp or piece of paper money

Etymology: OFr essai < LL exagium