GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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Found 3 definitions

1.       
   Endeavor , 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.
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   It is our duty to endeavor the recovery of these beneficial subjects.
   Ld. Chatham.
   
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   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.
   
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2.       
   Endeavor, v. i. To exert one's self; to work for a certain end.
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   And such were praised who but endeavored well.
   Pope.
   
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   Usually with an infinitive; as, to endeavor to outstrip an antagonist.
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   He had . . . endeavored earnestly to do his duty.
   Prescott.
   Syn. -- To attempt; try; strive; struggle; essay; aim; seek.
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3.       
   Endeavor, 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.
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   To employ all my endeavor to obey you.
   Sir P. Sidney.
   
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   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.
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