What is the meaning of essay?

noun

• An analytic or interpretive literary composition.
• A tentative attempt.

verb

• Make an effort or attempt.
  • usage: "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"
  • synonyms: try, seek, attempt, assay
• Put to the test, as for its quality, or give experimental use to.
  • usage: "This approach has been tried with good results"; "Test this recipe"
  • synonyms: test, prove, try, try out, examine