- Attempting
- Attempt At*tempt" (?; 215), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Attempted};
p. pr. & vb. n. {Attempting}.] [OF. atenter, also spelt
atempter, F. attenter, fr. L. attentare to attempt; ad +
tentare, temptare, to touch, try, v. intens. of tendere to
stretch. See {Tempt}, and cf. {Attend}.]
1. To make trial or experiment of; to try; to endeavor to do
or perform (some action); to assay; as, to attempt to
sing; to attempt a bold flight.
[1913 Webster]
Something attempted, something done, Has earned a night's repose. --Longfellow. [1913 Webster]
2. To try to move, by entreaty, by afflictions, or by temptations; to tempt. [Obs. or Archaic] [1913 Webster]
It made the laughter of an afternoon That Vivien should attempt the blameless king. --Thackeray. [1913 Webster]
3. To try to win, subdue, or overcome; as, one who attempts the virtue of a woman. [1913 Webster]
Dear sir, of force I must attempt you further: Take some remembrance of us, as a tribute. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
4. To attack; to make an effort or attack upon; to try to take by force; as, to attempt the enemy's camp. [1913 Webster]
Without attempting his adversary's life. --Motley. [1913 Webster]
Syn: See {Try}. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
