The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Attempt \At*tempt"\, n.
   A essay, trial, or endeavor; an undertaking; an attack, or an
   effort to gain a point; esp. an unsuccessful, as contrasted
   with a successful, effort.
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         By his blindness maimed for high attempts. --Milton.
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   Attempt to commit a crime (Law), such an intentional
      preparatory act as will apparently result, if not
      extrinsically hindered, in a crime which it was designed
      to effect. --Wharton.
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   Syn: Attempt, Endeavor, Effort, Exertion, Trial.

   Usage: These words agree in the idea of calling forth our
          powers into action. Trial is the generic term; it
          denotes a putting forth of one's powers with a view to
          determine what they can accomplish; as, to make trial
          of one's strength. An attempt is always directed to
          some definite and specific object; as, "The attempt,
          and not the deed, confounds us." --Shak. An endeavor
          is a continued attempt; as, "His high endeavor and his
          glad success." --Cowper. Effort is a specific putting
          forth of strength in order to carry out an attempt.
          Exertion is the putting forth or active exercise of
          any faculty or power. "It admits of all degrees of
          effort and even natural action without effort." --C.
          J. Smith. See Try.
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