̘. ̈n.ˈeseɪ n. & v. --n. 1 a composition, usu. shortand in prose, on anysubject. 2 (often foll. by at, in) formal an attempt. --v.tr. formal attempt, try. øøessayist n. [ME f. ASSAY, assim. to F essayer ult. f. LL exagium weighing f. exigere weigh: see EXACT]