Meaning of essay

(noun) an analytic or interpretive literary composition

a tentative attempt

(verb) make an effort or attempt; "He tried to shake off his fears"; "The infant had essayed a few wobbly steps"; "The police attempted to stop the thief"; "He sought to improve himself"; "She always seeks to do good in the world"

put to the test, as for its quality, or give experimental use to; "This approach has been tried with good results"; "Test this recipe"