essayn.
/ˈɛseɪ/, U.S. /ˈɛseɪ/ I. The action or process of trying or testing.† 1. † b. spec. The trial of metals; = assay n. 6. Obsolete.† 2. A trial specimen, a sample, an example; a rehearsal. Cf. assay n. 17. Obsolete.† 3. Hunting.† 4. A taste, or first taste, of food or drink presented to a great personage; = assay n. 12. Obsolete exc. Historical.
a. A trial, testing, proof; experiment; = assay n. 1, 3 Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > endeavour > trial or experiment > [noun] > an experiment
experiencec1384
adventurec1405
conclusion1430
experiment1594
essay1605
specimen1610
tentative1632
periclitation1658
tentamen1673
say-hand1712
try-out1903
1605 F. Bacon Of Aduancem. Learning ii. sig. Hh1v Democritus..attributed the form thereof [of the ‘frame of things’] able to maintaine it self to infinite essaies or proofes of Nature. View more context for this quotation
1609 W. Shakespeare Sonnets cx. sig. G3v Worse essaies prou'd thee my best of loue. View more context for this quotation
1631 P. Heylyn Hist. St. George 247 I will make bold to venture on it, by way of tryall and essay.
1649 Εἰκων Βασιλικη 26 It was the first overt Essay to be made, how patiently I could bear the loss of my kingdoms.
1660 R. Sharrock Hist. Propagation & Improvem. Veg. Ep. Ded. You were pleased to judge me able, and..to propose..that I should make an essay of that ability.
1705 J. Addison Remarks Italy 335 After having made Essays into it, as they do for Coal in England.
1725 D. Defoe Compl. Eng. Tradesman I. xi. 176 He has made an essay by which he knows what he can, and cannot do.
1812 J. J. Henry Accurate Acct. Campaign against Quebec 28 From the essays made, it seemed to me that, etc.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > industry > working with specific materials > working with metal > [noun] > testing
assayc1386
toucha1450
say1567
essay1668
assaying1728
parting assay1758
van1778
docimasy1803
touching1908
heat tinting1910
cupping1921
Magnaflux1935
1668 Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 3 821 The Ore being ground..they divide it in several heaps, and then by lesser Essays, they find out how much silver is contained in every heap.
1731–6 in N. Bailey Universal Etymol. Eng. Dict. (folio).
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > kind or sort > individual character or quality > an individual case or instance > [noun] > typical or representative case > part as representative of the whole > sample or specimen
taste1390
muster1400
sample1428
scantillon1465
say1525
casta1556
assay1581
show1582
shave1604
trial1612
essay1614
pattern1648
trial-piece1663
dasha1672
swatch1697
spice1790
sampler1823
1614 J. Selden Titles of Honor 22 An essay also of that age's vnhappie affectation of Greek patch.
1656 T. Blount Glossographia Essay, a flourish or preamble.
1659 H. Hammond Paraphr. & Annot. Psalms (cvi. 16–18 Paraphr.) 532 Two terrible essayes of Gods wrath were here shewed.
1690 T. Burnet Theory of Earth iii. 55 These are lesser essays or preludes to the general fire.
1704 Clarendon's Hist. Rebellion III. xv. 498 A small essay of my zeal for..your Majesty.
1780 tr. C. Rollin Anc. Hist. (ed. 7) V. 257 Gave an essay, in this first action, of what might be expected one day from his valour and bravery.
a. = assay n. 9. In phrase to take essay.
ΚΠ
1694 R. Molesworth Acct. Denmark in 1692 xi. 172 One that is likeliest to give a good Gratuity to the Huntsmen, is invited to take Essay.
b. concrete. The part of a deer in which trial was made of the ‘grease’; the breast or brisket.
ΘΚΠ
the world > animals > mammals > group Ungulata (hoofed) > group Ruminantia (sheep, goats, cows, etc.) > family Cervidae (deer) > [noun] > body or parts of > breast and parts
corbin-bonea1425
essay1611
1611 R. Cotgrave Dict. French & Eng. Tongues Foulz,..cut out from betweene the necke, and the essay of a Deere.
1658 E. Phillips New World Eng. Words (at cited word) The Essay of Deer is the breast or brisket..in French la hampe.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > taste and flavour > [noun] > a test by tasting > action of testing
credencea1475
sayc1475
assay1547
essay1598
1598 in J. Florio Worlde of Wordes at Fare la credenza
1632 in R. Cotgrave Dict.
1682 G. Rose Perfect School Instr. Officers of Mouth 16 The Master Cook is desired not to forget his Larding-pricks, nor the Master-Butler his Essay.
1682 G. Rose Perfect School Instr. Officers of Mouth 94 Let him [the Royal Butler] bring in his Wine, present his Bason and Ewer to wash, take his Essay both of Wine and Water.
1708 J. Chamberlayne Present State Great Brit. (1741) i. iii. iii. 168 A Viscount may have a Cover of Essay holden under his Cup, while he drinks, but no Essay taken as Dukes, Marquises and Earls may have.
II. A trying to do something.† 6. A hostile attempt. Obsolete.† 7.
5.
a. An attempt, endeavour. Const. after, at, †of, on, towards, and to with infinitive.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > endeavour > [noun] > an attempt
tastec1330
assayc1386
proffera1400
proof?a1400
pluck?1499
saymenta1500
minta1522
attemptate1531
attempt1548
attemption1565
say1568
trice1579
offer1581
fling1590
tempt1597
essay1598
trial1614
tentative1632
molition1643
conamen1661
put1661
tentamen1673
conatus1722
shot1756
go1784
ettle1790
shy1824
hack1830
try1832
pop1839
slap1840
venture1842
stagger1865
flutter1874
whack1884
whirl1884
smack1889
swipe1892
buck1913
lash1941
wham1957
play1961
1598 B. Yong tr. J. de Montemayor Diana 77 They were all but papers of essaies Of that.
a1652 J. Smith Select Disc. (1821) vii. 364 Languishing creatures..we are, in our essays after heaven.
1682 Satyr to Muse 3 Whose first Essay was in a Tyrants praise.
1738 in Colonial Rec. Pennsylvania (1851) IV. 316 Essays..to encourage the raising some of these Commodities.
1763 J. Brown Diss. Poetry & Music v. §10. 74 The first rude Essays towards an expressive Melody in barbarous Countries.
1778 J. Reynolds Disc. Royal Acad. (1876) viii. 447 An artist, in his first essay of imitating nature.
1820 W. Irving Sketch Bk. II. 325 Our first essay was along a mountain brook.
1853 C. Brontë Villette I. viii. 144 Is this your first essay at teaching?
1860 J. Tyndall Glaciers of Alps i. xxvii. 206 Making a preliminary essay upon the glacier.
1865 D. Livingstone & C. Livingstone Narr. Exped. Zambesi Introd. I am now in this my second essay at authorship.
b. concrete. The result of an attempt.Apparently an isolated use.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > endeavour > [noun] > result of
essay1697
attempt1871
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Pastorals vii, in tr. Virgil Wks. 32 These Branches of a Stag, this tusky Boar (The first essay of Arms untry'd before).
ΘΚΠ
society > armed hostility > attack > [noun]
fiend-reseOE
frumresec1275
assault1297
sault1297
inracea1300
sailing13..
venuea1330
checkc1330
braid1340
affrayc1380
outrunningc1384
resinga1387
wara1387
riota1393
assailc1400
assayc1400
onset1423
rake?a1425
pursuitc1425
assemblinga1450
brunta1450
oncominga1450
assembly1487
envaya1500
oncomea1500
shovea1500
front1523
scry1523
attemptate1524
assaulting1548
push1565
brash1573
attempt1584
affront?1587
pulse1587
affret1590
saliaunce1590
invasion1591
assailment1592
insultation1596
aggressa1611
onslaught1613
source1616
confronta1626
impulsion1631
tentative1632
essaya1641
infall1645
attack1655
stroke1698
insult1710
coup de main1759
onfall1837
hurrah1841
beat-up of quarters1870
offensive1887
strafe1915
grand slam1916
hop-over1918
run1941
strike1942
a1641 J. Smyth Berkeley MSS (1883) I. 229 The King at Canterbury grants him a generall protection from all Essayes for a year following.
a. A first tentative effort in learning or practice; = assay n. 16. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > endeavour > [noun] > an attempt > a first attempt > tentative
assay?1570
essay1656
1656 A. Cowley Pindaric Odes Pref. This Essay is but to try how it [Pindar's Poetry] will look in an English Habit.
1663 J. Spencer Disc. Prodigies Pref. B. Admiration is..an Essay to knowledge.
1665 R. Boyle Disc. iv. iv, in Occas. Refl. sig. F4 The green and immature Essays of early Writers.
1680 Ld. Mulgrave & J. Dryden tr. Ovid Epist. 161 My hand is yet untaught to write to men; This is th' Essay of my unpractis'd pen.
1700 J. Dryden Fables Pref. sig. A1 The first of Homer's Iliads (which I intended as an Essay to the whole Work).
1738 tr. C. Rollin Anc. Hist. (ed. 2) I. 192 These were considered by them only as essays preparatory to the great design.
b. A rough copy; a first draft.
ΘΚΠ
society > communication > writing > written text > [noun] > preliminary or rough copy
draught1528
rough draft1576
foul papers1601
rough copy1638
essay1656
concept1658
draft1769
upset1841
1656 J. Harrington Common-wealth of Oceana 211 The list..entred in the Parish Book, and diligently preserved as a record, called the first Essay.
1793 G. Morris in J. Sparks Life G. Morris (1832) I. 417 I have made an essay of a letter.
8. A composition of moderate length on any particular subject, or branch of a subject; originally implying want of finish, ‘an irregular undigested piece’ (Johnson), but now said of a composition more or less elaborate in style, though limited in range.The use in this sense is apparently taken from Montaigne, whose Essais were first published in 1580.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > literature > prose > essay > [noun]
essay1597
1597 F. Bacon (title) Essayes.
a1612 F. Bacon Ded. Prince Henry in Ess. (1871) 158 Essaies. The word is late, but the thing is auncient. For Senacaes Epistles..are but Essaies,—That is dispersed Meditacions.
1665 J. Glanvill Scepsis Scientifica Addr. Royal Soc. sig. c3v No higher title, then that of an essay, or imperfect offer at a Subject.
1684 J. Dryden in Earl of Roscommon Ess. Translated Verse sig. A1v Yet modestly he does his Work survey, And calls a finish'd Poem an essay.
1712 J. Addison Spectator No. 476. ¶1 The Wildness of those Compositions, which go by the Name of Essays.
1764 T. Reid Inq. Human Mind Ded. This leaves me no room to doubt of your favourable acceptance of this essay.
1782 V. Knox Ess. (1819) I. i. 1 Essays..may now convey the idea of regular treatises.
1843 T. B. Macaulay (title) Critical and Historical Essays.
1864 C. Dickens Our Mutual Friend (1865) I. ii. i. 165 She could write a little essay on any subject.
Phrases
in all essays: under all circumstances; cf. assay n. Phrases a, Phrases b. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > existence > state or condition > circumstance or circumstances > circumstance [phrase] > in all or any case or circumstances
in nesh and hardc1175
still and louda1250
loud and still1300
for nesh or hard?a1400
hot and coldc1400
in all essays1669
round or rattlea1670
1669 S. Sturmy Mariners Mag. 20 And so likewise I have shown you thus much of the Practick part of Navigation, in which you may perceive that I have wrought the Ship in all Essays, in Words and proper Sea-Phrases; and if I was at Sea, I should perform it both in Word and Deed.
Compounds
C1. General attributive.
essay-weaver n.
ΚΠ
1884 Punch 16 Feb. 84/1 And twaddling essay-weavers, mild boilers-down of Lamb!
essay-writer n.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > literature > prose > essay > [noun] > writing essays > one who
essayist1616
essayer1664
essay-writer1711
1711 Ld. Shaftesbury Characteristicks III. Misc. ii. iii. 97 We Essay-Writers, are of the Small-Craft, or Galley-kind.
1851 A. Helps Friends in Council I. 29 The fault into which you essay-writers generally fall.
C2.
essay-hatch n. (see quot.).
ΚΠ
1721–1800 N. Bailey Universal Etymol. Eng. Dict. Essay Hatch, [among Miners] a Term for a little Trench or Hole which they dig to search for Oar.
essay-scale n. a test-scale.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > measurement > measurement by weighing > equipment for weighing > [noun] > a weighing apparatus > a balance > a test-scale
essay-scale1684
1684 R. Waller tr. Ess. Nat. Exper. Acad. del Cimento 149 Putting in the Essay-Scales two Steel Wires of equal Weight.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1891; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
essayv.
/ɛˈseɪ/, U.S. /ɛˈseɪ/ 1. † b. with object clause. Obsolete.
a. transitive. To put to the proof, try (a person or thing); to test the nature, excellence, fitness, etc. of; = assay v. 1. Also to practise (an art, etc.) by way of trial; = assay v. 8.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > endeavour > trial or experiment > trial, test, or testing > try or test [verb (transitive)]
fandc893
costeneOE
afondOE
provea1200
fraista1300
assay1330
sayc1330
try1362
approvec1380
examinea1382
winnowa1382
tempt1382
tastea1400
assailc1405
essay1484
scryc1615
sensea1688
test1748
trial1981
dogfood1997
1484 W. Caxton tr. G. de la Tour-Landry Bk. Knight of Tower (1971) lxxiiii. 105 I wold also ye knew the tale of the Squyer, whiche essayed his wyf.
1593 Prodigal Son i. 92 It is a fine thing for a young man who goes to essay the world, to travel and see much.
1730 A. Pope Epit. Mrs. Corbett in D. Lewis et al. Misc. Poems 89 She..No Arts essay'd, but not to be admir'd.
1737 R. Glover Leonidas ii. 436 None more willing to essay thy force.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. II. 109 A youth whose great powers, first essayed in this conflict, etc.
1856 H. B. Stowe Dred II. xxxiii. 326 The last boat was essayed.
ΚΠ
1483 W. Caxton in tr. J. de Voragine Golden Legende 376/4 Willyam..wold preue and essaye yf there were ony elacion..in his corage.
1684 R. Berkeley in Evelyn Mem. (1857) III. 273 It would be soon essayed with Mr. Boyle's pump, whether or no it may give such a vacuum as to preserve fruit.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > industry > working with specific materials > working with metal > work with metal [verb (transitive)] > test
examinea1382
assayc1440
touch1469
testa1616
essay1695
standard1734
ensay1740
1695 J. Locke Further Considerations conc. Raising Value of Money 101 Whether..Goldsmiths..will not rather take what is by the Free labour of the Mint ready essaid and adjusted to their use.
a1704 J. Locke Further Consid. concerning raising Value of Money in Wks. (1823) V. 143 The standard in our mint being now settled, the rules and methods of assaying suited to it should remain invariable.
1739 Joe Miller's Jests No. 207 The seven Golden Candlesticks were sent to be essay'd in the Tower.
1816 F. Accum Pract. Ess. Chem. Re-agents (1818) 93 The salt to be essayed is covered with sulphuric acid.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > taste and flavour > [verb (transitive)] > test by tasting
assay1377
tastea1400
to taste ofa1400
saya1450
cun1493
essay1598
palate1609
pree1680
flavour1823
taste-test1979
1598 B. Yong tr. A. Pérez 2nd Pt. Diana in tr. J. de Montemayor Diana 164 If wormewood in his drinke he hath essaied.
4. † b. To attempt to show or prove. Obsolete.
a. To attempt; to try to do, effect, accomplish, or make (anything difficult); = assay v. 16.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > endeavour > attempt [verb (transitive)]
fandOE
assayc1300
tryc1315
provec1330
adventurea1387
sayc1390
paina1400
havec1400
practisea1450
afforcec1487
afond1488
attempta1538
procure1574
endeavour1581
offer1611
poacha1616
attent1620
to venture at1623
essay1641
attentate1656
smacka1657
tempt1697
to try at1794
to have a go1802
to make a (good, poor, etc.) fist1833
tackle1847
to have or take a whack at1891
to make (or have, etc.) a stab at (something)1895
to have a dash (at)1916
1641 R. Greville Disc. Nature Episcopacie ii. vi. 97 In our Gracious Kings Reigne, they have..essay'd many Soule-Schismes.
a1661 T. Fuller Worthies (1662) Bucks. 129 He also..directed the standers by to fetch him a great hollow-stone for a font, which sundry of his fathers servants essayed in vain.
1712 R. Blackmore Creation i. 4 While I this unexampled Task essay.
1805 W. Wordsworth Waggoner i. 99 And now the conqueror essays The long ascent of Dunmail-raise.
1876 J. R. Lowell Among my Bks. (1873) 2nd Ser. 257 His method leads to most unhappy results when essayed by men to whom nature has denied a sense of what the picturesque really is.
1882 A. W. Ward Dickens vii. 213 He never even essayed the picture of an artist devoted to art for her own sake.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > testing > try, test [verb (transitive)]
cuneOE
afondOE
found1340
searcha1382
experiment1481
experience1541
probe1542
try1545
invent1548
sound1589
to bring or put to the test1594
plumb1599
to feel out1600
essay1656
test1748
plumb-line1875
to try out1888
1656 tr. T. White Peripateticall Inst. 337 (title) A Theologicall Appendix..Wherein 'tis essay'd how subservient Philosophy is to Divinity.
1674 N. Fairfax Treat. Bulk & Selvedge 194 The worthy Doctor More has suprizingly essay'd the infinity or boundless manifoldness of worlds from the Head of lightsomness.
5. with infinitive. To set oneself, undertake, try (to do something). Also absol.; = assay v. 17.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > undertaking > undertake or set oneself to do [verb (intransitive)]
found12..
to take on (also upon) one(self)a1300
assay1330
study1340
to put (also lay, set, etc.) one's hand to the ploughc1384
intendc1385
pressc1390
to put oneself in pressc1390
gatherc1400
undertakec1405
sayc1425
to fall in hand with (also to do (something))c1450
setc1485
obligea1500
essay?1515
attend1523
supprise1532
to set in foot1542
enterprise1547
address1548
to set in hand1548
prove1612
to make it one's businessa1628
engage1646
embark1647
bend1694
to take hold1868
the world > action or operation > endeavour > make an attempt or endeavour [verb (intransitive)] > to do something
cuneOE
seekc1000
fanda1225
suec1325
tastec1330
enforcec1340
study1340
temptc1384
intendc1385
assaila1393
proffera1393
to make meansc1395
search?a1400
fraistc1400
pursuec1400
to go aboutc1405
pretend1482
attempta1513
essay?1515
attend1523
regarda1533
offer1541
frame1545
to stand about1549
to put into (also in) practice1592
prove1612
imitate1626
snap1766
begin1833
make1880
?1515 Hyckescorner (de Worde) sig. C.iv Therfore in thy conceyte assaye To axe god mercy.
1679 G. Burnet Hist. Reformation Add. 366 I..shall essay to prove, if I can, that your own Author in place by you alledged, maketh plain against your Opinion.
1717 Lady M. W. Montagu Let. 18 Apr. (1965) I. 350 Apelles is said to have essay'd, by a Collection of the most exact features to form a perfect Face.
1781 W. Cowper Table Talk 182 Not Brindley nor Bridgewater would essay, To turn the course of Helicon that way.
1820 W. Scott Monastery I. vii. 211 I will essay, reverend father.
1879 M. Arnold Mixed Ess. viii. 276 So dense is the cloud of error here that the lover of truth and daylight will hardly even essay to dissipate it.
6. intransitive. To make an attempt.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > endeavour > make an attempt or endeavour [verb (intransitive)]
fanda1225
procurea1325
assay1370
workc1384
to put oneself in pressc1390
purchasec1400
buskc1450
study1483
fend15..
try1534
enterprise1547
to make an attempt?c1550
to give the venture1589
prove1612
nixuriate1623
to lay out1659
essay1715
to bring (also carry, drive, etc.) one's pigs to market1771
to have (or take or give) a crack1836
to make an out1843
to go to market1870
to give it a burl1917
to have a bash (at)1950
1715 M. Davies Εἰκων Μικρο-βιβλικὴ 233 Doctor Bray has lately essay'd with a large scope towards a more Comprehensive Martyrologe.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1891; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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