<p><strong>Verb (used with object)</strong></p><ul><li>to examine or analyze: to assay a situation; to assay an event.</li><li>Metallurgy: to analyze (an ore, alloy, etc.) in order to determine the quantity of gold, silver, or other metal in it.</li><li>Pharmacology: to subject (a drug) to an analysis for the determination of its potency or composition.</li><li>to judge the quality of; assess; evaluate: to assay someone's efforts.</li><li>to try or test; put to trial: to assay one's strength; to assay one's debating abilities.</li><li>to attempt; try; essay: to assay a dance step.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb (used without object)</strong></p><ul><li>to contain, as shown by analysis, a certain proportion of usually precious metal.</li></ul><p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>Metallurgy: determination of the amount of metal, especially gold or silver, in an ore, alloy, etc.</li><li>a substance undergoing analysis or trial.</li><li>a detailed report of the findings in assaying a substance.</li><li>Archaic: examination; trial; attempt; essay.</li></ul>