assay

The story

1. Old French · derived fromessai
2. Anglo-Norman · derived fromassaier
3. Anglo-Norman · derived fromassai
4. Middle English · inherited fromassay
5. English todayassay

From Middle English assay (noun) and assayen (verb), from Anglo-Norman assai (noun) and Anglo-Norman assaier (verb), from Old French essai. Doublet of essay.

First known use, by meaning

• from 14th c. To attempt (something).
• 14th–19th c. To try, attempt (to do something).
• from 15th c. To analyze or estimate the composition or value of (a metal, ore etc.).
• 15th–17th c. To test the abilities of (someone) in combat; to fight.