Essay

·noun An assay. ·see Assay, ·noun.

II. Essay ·noun To test the value and purity of (metals); to assay. ·see Assay.

III. Essay ·noun An effort made, or exertion of body or mind, for the performance of anything; a trial; attempt; as, to make an essay to benefit a friend.

IV. Essay ·noun 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.

V. Essay ·noun A composition treating of any particular subject;

— usually shorter and less methodical than a formal, finished treatise; as, an essay on the life and writings of Homer; an essay on fossils, or on commerce.