1. essay - Noun
2. essay - Verb
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.
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.
An assay. See Assay, n.
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.
To test the value and purity of (metals); to assay. See Assay.
Source: Webster's dictionaryHe tried to shake off his fears Source: Internet
The infant had essayed a few wobbly steps Source: Internet
The police attempted to stop the thief Source: Internet
He sought to improve himself Source: Internet
She always seeks to do good in the world Source: Internet
This approach has been tried with good results Source: Internet