\Ten*ta"tive\, a. [L. tentare to try: cf. F. tentatif.
See {Tempt}.]
Of or pertaining to a trial or trials; essaying;
experimental. ``A slow, tentative manner.'' --Carlyle. --
{Ten*ta"tive*ly}, adv.

\Ten*ta"tive\, n. [Cf. F. tentative.]
An essay; a trial; an experiment. --Berkley.