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more about attempting
attempting |
1 definition found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: 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. Something attempted, something done Has earned a night's repose. --Longfellow. 2. To try to move by entreaty, by afflictions, or by temptations; to tempt. [Obs. or Archaic] It made the laughter of an afternoon That Vivien should attempt the blameless king. --Thackeray. 3. To try to win, subdue, or overcome; as one who attempts the virtue of a woman. Dear sir, of force I must attempt you further: Take some remembrance of us as a tribute. --Shak. 4. To attack; to make an effort or attack upon to try to take by force; as to attempt the enemy's camp. Without attempting his adversary's life. --Motley. Syn: See {Try}.
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