assay vb. (now almost superseded by ‘essay’ except in the sense of testing metals)
1.
to
try, attempt
Meas. I. iv. 76
“Assay the power you
have,”
Ham. IV. vii. 152,
Oth. II. iii. 209
“passion . . . Assays to
lead the way.”
2.
to learn by
experience
Compl. 156
“The destin'd ill she
must herself assay.”
3.
to assail with words,
accost, address with proposals of love
Wiv. II. i. 25
“that he dares in this
manner
me,”
Meas. I. ii. 192
“bid herself
him.”
4.
to challenge to a
trial of strength or skill 1H4 V. iv. 34,
Ham. III. i. 14
“Did you assay him To
any pastime?”
