Attempt, vb., 1) absolutely == to make an effort: “our doubts are traitors and make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to a.” Meas. I, 4, 79.
2) trans., a) followed by an accus., α) == to tempt, to try to win or subdue: “he will never a. us again,” Wiv. IV, 2, 226. “that neither my coat, integrity, nor persuasion can with ease a. you,” Meas. IV, 2, 205. “of force I must a. you further,” Merch. IV, 1, 421. “for him --ing who was selfsubdued,” Lr. II, 2, 129. “this man of thine --s her love,” Tim. I, 1, 126. cf. “how can that be true love which is falsely --ed?” LLL I, 2, 177.
β) to undertake, to endeavour to perform: “I'll venge thy death or die renowned by --ing it,” H6C II, 1, 88. “never a. any thing on him,” H8 III, 2, 17. “I have --ed and led your wars,” Cor. V, 6, 75. Rom. II, 2, 68. Caes. V, 3, 40. Oth. III, 4, 22. V, 2, 255. Cymb. I, 4, 123. Per. V, 1, 175.
b) followed by an inf.: “and either not a. to choose,” Merch. II, 1, 39.
Shakespeare Lexicon. Alexander Schmidt. Berlin. Georg Reimer. 1902.
This text was converted to electronic form by professional data entry and has been proofread to a high level of accuracy.
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