Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

   5. To experiment with; to test by use; as, to try a remedy
      for disease; to try a horse.

            Come, try upon yourselves what you have seen me.
                                                  --Shak.

            To ease her cares the force of sleep she tries.
                                                  --Swift.

   6. To strain; to subject to excessive tests; as, the light
      tries his eyes; repeated disappointments try one's
      patience.

   7. (Law) To examine or investigate judicially; to examine by
      witnesses or other judicial evidence and the principles of
      law; as, to try a cause, or a criminal.

   8. To settle; to decide; to determine; specifically, to
      decide by an appeal to arms; as, to try rival claims by a
      duel; to try conclusions.

            Left I the court, to see this quarrel tried. --Shak.

   9. To experience; to have or gain knowledge of by experience.
      --Milton.

            Or try the Libyan heat or Scythian cold. --Dryden.

   10. To essay; to attempt; to endeavor.

             Let us try . . . to found a path.    --Milton.

   {To try on}.
       (a) To put on, as a garment, to ascertain whether it fits
           the person.
       (b) To attempt; to undertake. [Slang] --Dickens.

   Syn: To attempt; endeavor; strive; aim; examine.

   Usage: {Try}, {Attempt}. To try is the generic, to attempt is
          the specific, term. When we try, we are usually
          uncertain as to success; when we attempt, we have
          always some definite object in view which we seek to
          accomplish. We may be indifferent as to the result of
          a trial, but we rarely attempt anything without a
          desire to succeed.

                He first deceased: she for a little tried To
                live without him; liked it not, and died. --Sir
                                                  H. Wotton.

                Alack, I am afraid they have a waked, And 't is
                not done. The attempt, and not the deed,
                Confounds us.                     --Shak.