trying

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

1.To divide or separate, as one sort from another; to winnow; to sift; to pick out; -- frequently followed by out; as, to try out the wild corn from the good. [Obs.] --Sir T. Elyot. [1913 Webster]

2.To purify or refine, as metals; to melt out, and procure in a pure state, as oil, tallow, lard, etc. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.— Ps. xii. 6.[1913 Webster]

For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried.— Ps. lxvi. 10.[1913 Webster]

3.To prove by experiment; to apply a test to, for the purpose of determining the quality; to examine; to prove; to test; as, to try weights or measures by a standard; to try a man's opinions. [1913 Webster]

Let the end try the man.— Shak.[1913 Webster]

4.To subject to severe trial; to put to the test; to cause suffering or trouble to. [1913 Webster]

Thus far to try thee, Adam, I was pleased.— Milton.[1913 Webster]

These are the times that try men's souls.— Thomas Paine (1776)[PJC]

5.To experiment with; to test by use; as, to try a remedy for disease; to try a horse. [1913 Webster]

Come, try upon yourselves what you have seen me.— Shak.[1913 Webster]

To ease her cares the force of sleep she tries.— Swift.[1913 Webster]

6.To strain; to subject to excessive tests; as, the light tries his eyes; repeated disappointments try one's patience. [1913 Webster]

7.(Law) To examine or investigate judicially; to examine by witnesses or other judicial evidence and the principles of law; as, to try a cause, or a criminal. [1913 Webster]

8.To settle; to decide; to determine; specifically, to decide by an appeal to arms; as, to try rival claims by a duel; to try conclusions. [1913 Webster]

Left I the court, to see this quarrel tried.— Shak.[1913 Webster]

9.To experience; to have or gain knowledge of by experience. --Milton. [1913 Webster]

Or try the Libyan heat or Scythian cold.— Dryden.[1913 Webster]

10.To essay; to attempt; to endeavor. [1913 Webster]

Let us try . . . to found a path.— Milton.[1913 Webster]

To try on. (a) To put on, as a garment, to ascertain whether it fits the person. (b) To attempt; to undertake. [Slang] --Dickens. [1913 Webster]

Syn: To attempt; endeavor; strive; aim; examine.

Usage: Try, Attempt. To try is the generic, to attempt is the specific, term. When we try, we are usually uncertain as to success; when we attempt, we have always some definite object in view which we seek to accomplish. We may be indifferent as to the result of a trial, but we rarely attempt anything without a desire to succeed. [1913 Webster]

He first deceased: she for a little tried To live without him; liked it not, and died.— Sir H. Wotton.[1913 Webster]

Alack, I am afraid they have a waked, And 't is not done. The attempt, and not the deed, Confounds us.— Shak.[1913 Webster]