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