definition of
essay

[1] #1 essay n. an analytic or interpretive literary composition. wn

[2] #2 essay n. a tentative attempt. wn

[3] #3 essay v. [try, seek, attempt, assay] 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". wn

[4] #4 essay v. [test, prove, try, try out, examine] put to the test, as for its quality, or give experimental use to; "This approach has been tried with good results"; "Test this recipe". wn