n. & v.
--n.
1. a composition, usu. short and in prose, on any subject.
2 (often foll. by at, in) formal an attempt.
--v.tr. formal attempt, try.
Derivatives:
essayist n.
Etymology: ME f. ASSAY, assim. to F essayer ult. f. LL exagium weighing f. exigere weigh: see EXACT