TRY

To divide or separate, as one sort from another; to winnow; to sift; to pick out; -- frequently followed by out; as, to try out the wild corn from the good. [Obs.] Sir T. Elyot.

To purify or refine, as metals; to melt out, and procure in a pure state, as oil, tallow, lard, etc. Shak. The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Ps. xii. 6. For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried. Ps. lxvi. 10.

To prove by experiment; to apply a test to, for the purpose of determining the quality; to examine; to prove; to test; as, to try weights or measures by a standard; to try a man's opinions. Let the end try the man. Shak.

To subject to severe trial; to put to the test; to cause suffering or trouble to. Thus far to try thee, Adam, I was pleased. Milton. Thomas Paine (1776)

To experiment with; to test by use; as, to try a remedy for disease; to try a horse. Come, try upon yourselves what you have seen me. Shak. To ease her cares the force of sleep she tries. Swift.

To strain; to subject to excessive tests; as, the light tries his eyes; repeated disappointments try one's patience.

To examine or investigate judicially; to examine by witnesses or other judicial evidence and the principles of law; as, to try a cause, or a criminal.

To settle; to decide; to determine; specifically, to decide by an appeal to arms; as, to try rival claims by a duel; to try conclusions. Left I the court, to see this quarrel tried. Shak.

To experience; to have or gain knowledge of by experience. Milton. Or try the Libyan heat or Scythian cold. Dryden.

To essay; to attempt; to endeavor. Let us try . . . to found a path. Milton. To try on. (a) To put on, as a garment, to ascertain whether it fits the person. (b) To attempt; to undertake. [Slang] Dickens.

To exert strength; to endeavor; to make an effort or an attempt; as, you must try hard if you wish to learn.

To do; to fare; as, how do you try! [Prov. Eng.]

A screen, or sieve, for grain. [Obs. or Prov. Eng.] Holland.

Act of trying; attempt; experiment; trial. This breaking of his has been but a try for his friends. Shak. Try cock, a gauge cock. See under Gauge.

Refined; select; excellent; choice. [Obs.] "Sugar that is try." Chaucer.