En*deav"or , n. [Written also
endeavour.]
An exertion of physical or intellectual strength
toward the attainment of an object; a systematic or continuous attempt; an effort; a trial.
To
employ all my endeavor to obey you.
Sir P. Sidney. To do one's endeavor, to do one's duty; to put forth strenuous efforts to attain an
object; -- a phrase derived from the Middle English phrase "to do one's dever" (duty). "Mr. Prynne proceeded to show he had
done endeavor to prepare his answer." Fuller.
Syn. --
Essay; trial; effort; exertion. See Attempt.
En*deav"or , v. i. To exert one's self; to work
for a certain end.
And such were praised who but endeavored well.
Pope. Usually with an infinitive; as, to endeavor to outstrip an antagonist.
He had . . . endeavored earnestly to do his duty.
Prescott. Syn. -- To attempt; try; strive; struggle; essay; aim; seek.
En*deav"or (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Endeavored (?);
p. pr. & vb. n.
Endeavoring.]
[OE. endevor; pref. en- + dever, devoir, duty, F. devoir: cf. F. se mettre en devoir de faire quelque chose to try to do a thing, to go about it. See Devoir, Debt.] [Written also endeavour.] To exert physical or intellectual strength for the attainment of; to use
efforts to effect; to strive to
achieve or reach; to try;
to attempt.
It is our duty to
endeavor the recovery of these beneficial
subjects.
Ld. Chatham. To
endeavor one's self, to exert one's self
strenuously to the fulfillment of a duty. [Obs.] "A just man that endeavoreth himself
to leave all wickedness." Latimer.
Hear it pronounced