Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Essay \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.