The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

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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