Definition of essay
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a
: an analytic or interpretative literary composition usually dealing with its subject from a limited or personal point of view
b
: something resembling such a composition
a photographic essay
b
: the result or product of an attempt
3
: a proof of an unaccepted design for a stamp or piece of paper money
essay
verb
essayed; essaying; essays
Definition of essay (Entry 2 of 2)
1
: to make an often tentative or experimental effort to perform : try
2
: to put to a test
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for essay
The first known use of essay was in the 14th century
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