KJV Dictionary Definition: assai

assai

ASS'AI, A term in music; added to a word signifying slow, it denotes a little quicker; and to a word signifying quick, it denotes a little slower.

assay

ASSA'Y, n. L. sequor; assequor, to follow, to examine. See Essay.

1. The trial of the goodness, purity, weight, value, &c. of metals or metallic substances. Any operation or experiement for ascertaining the quantity of a precious metal in an ore or mineral. Analysis is a term of more comprehensive import, extending to an examination of the nature and quantities of all parts of the compound.

2. In law, an examination of weights and measures by the standard.

3. Examination; trial; effort; first entrance upon any business; attempt. In these senses, which are found in old authors, now rarely used. See Essay.

4. Value; great purity. Obs.

ASSA'Y, v.t.

1. To try or prove, by examination or experiment, the quantity and purity of metallic substances.

2. To apply to the touchstone.

assayed

ASSA'YED, pp. Examined; tested; proved by experiment.

assaying

ASSA'YING, ppr. Trying by some standard; examining by experiment, as metals; proving; attempting.

Definitions from Webster's American Dictionary of the English Language, 1828.
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