a. [ Pref. pre- + tentative: cf. L. praetentare to try beforehand. ] Fitted for trial beforehand; experimental. [ R. ] Sir H. Wotton. [ 1913 Webster ]
a. Adapted to sustain, strengthen, or corroborate;
Sustentative functions (Physiol.),
a. [ L. tentare to try: cf. F. tentatif. See Tempt. ] Of or pertaining to a trial or trials; essaying; experimental. “A slow, tentative manner.” Carlyle. --
n. [ Cf. F. tentative. ] An essay; a trial; an experiment. Berkley. [ 1913 Webster ]