Webster's English Dictionary

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try

Cross references:
  1. afflict                2. attempt               
 
1. try \'tri-\ vb or tried;  or try.ing [ME trien, fr. AF trier, fr. OF, to 
   pick out, sift] 1a: to examine or investigate judicially  1b1: to conduct 
   the trial of  1b2: to participate as counsel in the judicial examination of 
    2a: to put to test or trial  2b: to test to the limit or breaking point {~ 
   one's patience}  2c: DEMONSTRATE, PROVE  obs  3a: PURIFY, REFINE  3b: to 
   melt down and procure in a pure state : RENDER {~ o ut whale oil from 
   blubber} 4: to fit or finish with accuracy  5: to make an attempt at - 
   often used with an infinitive  : to make an attempt  : to test one's skill 
   or strength against opposition  - try conclusions 
2. try n or tries pl  : an experimental trial : ATTEMPT