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. [ 1913 Webster ]

It is our duty to endeavor the recovery of these beneficial subjects. Ld. Chatham. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. To exert one's self; to work for a certain end. [ 1913 Webster ]

And such were praised who but endeavored well. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]

Usually with an infinitive; as, to endeavor to outstrip an antagonist. [ 1913 Webster ] He had . . . endeavored earnestly to do his duty. Prescott.

Syn. -- To attempt; try; strive; struggle; essay; aim; seek. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

To employ all my endeavor to obey you. Sir P. Sidney. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who makes an effort or attempt. [ Written also endeavourer. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Act of endeavoring; endeavor. [ Obs. ] Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]