Attempting

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  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.
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              Something attempted, something done,
              Has earned a night's repose.          --Longfellow.
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     2. To try to move, by entreaty, by afflictions, or by
        temptations; to tempt. [Obs. or Archaic]
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              It made the laughter of an afternoon
              That Vivien should attempt the blameless king.
                                                    --Thackeray.
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     3. To try to win, subdue, or overcome; as, one who attempts
        the virtue of a woman.
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              Dear sir, of force I must attempt you further:
              Take some remembrance of us, as a tribute. --Shak.
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     4. To attack; to make an effort or attack upon; to try to
        take by force; as, to attempt the enemy's camp.
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              Without attempting his adversary's life. --Motley.
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     Syn: See {Try}.
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