Essay - Definition

n 1: an analytic or interpretive literary composition
2: a tentative attempt
v 1: make an effort or attempt; "He tried to shake off his
fears"; "The infant had essayed a few wobbly steps"; "The
police attempted to stop the thief"; "He sought to improve
himself"; "She always seeks to do good in the world" [syn:
try, seek, attempt, essay, assay]
2: put to the test, as for its quality, or give experimental use
to; "This approach has been tried with good results"; "Test
this recipe" [syn: test, prove, try, try out,
examine, essay]