\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.

\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.
Note: 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\, 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}.