From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Attempt \At*tempt"\ (?; 215), 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.
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Something attempted, something done,
Has earned a night's repose. --Longfellow.
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2. To try to move, by entreaty, by afflictions, or by
temptations; to tempt. [Obs. or Archaic]
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It made the laughter of an afternoon
That Vivien should attempt the blameless king.
--Thackeray.
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3. To try to win, subdue, or overcome; as, one who attempts
the virtue of a woman.
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Dear sir, of force I must attempt you further:
Take some remembrance of us, as a tribute. --Shak.
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4. To attack; to make an effort or attack upon; to try to
take by force; as, to attempt the enemy's camp.
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Without attempting his adversary's life. --Motley.
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Syn: See {Try}.
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