essay

A written composition of moderate length, exploring a particular issue or subject.

In his first book since the 2008 essay collection Natural Acts: A Sidelong View of Science and Nature, David Quammen looks at the natural world from yet another angle: the search for the next human pandemic, what epidemiologists call “the next big one.”

A test, experiment; an assay.

An attempt.

My first essay at getting employment was fruitless; but after no small number of mortifying rebuffs from various parties to whom I applied for assistance, I was at last rewarded by a comparative success.

This was Lee's first essay in the kind of offensive-defensive strategy that was to become his hallmark.

A proposed design for a postage stamp or a banknote.

To attempt or try.

Shall we essay a walk on the promenade?

He retraced his steps to the front gate, which he essayed to open.

To move forth, as into battle.