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. -- Ten*ta"tive*ly, adv. [1913 Webster]
n. [ Cf. F. tentative. ] An essay; a trial; an experiment. Berkley. [ 1913 Webster ]