assay (
http://definr.com/assay)
n : an appraisal of the state of affairs; "they made an assay of
the contents"; "a check on its dependability under
stress" [syn:
check]
v 1: analyze (chemical substances)
2: 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" [syn:
try,
seek,
attempt,
essay]