3. To try tasting, as food or drink. [Obs.]
4. To subject, as an ore, alloy, or other metallic compound, to chemical or metallurgical examination, in order to determine the amount of a particular metal contained in it, or to ascertain its composition.
ASSAY
As*say", v. i.
Defn: To attempt, try, or endeavor. [Archaic. In this sense essay is
now commonly used.]
She thrice assayed to speak. Dryden.
ASSAYABLE
As*say"a*ble, a.
Defn: That may be assayed.
ASSAYER
As*say"er, n.
Defn: One who assays. Specifically: One who examines metallic ores or compounds, for the purpose of determining the amount of any particular metal in the same, especially of gold or silver.
ASSAYING
As*say"ing, n.
Defn: The act or process of testing, esp. of analyzing or examining metals and ores, to determine the proportion of pure metal.