A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1951 (DOST Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Endevoir, -vore, v. Also: -devour, -divour. [Late ME. endevoyre (Caxton), -devoir, e.m.E. -devour(e, etc.] a. tr. To exert (oneself). b. intr. To endeavour, try. c. tr. To attempt. —c1520-c1535 Nisbet I. 6.
Gif we endevore ws alsa to rede Goddis word 1559 St. A. Kirk S. 7.
That we … may endivour us … to walk fordwart in the waiis of the Lord 1611-57 Mure Son. i. 8.
To eternize thé fame hath endeuoired Id. Dido ii. 859.
Now Trojans all … endevore Their fleet to loose 1660 Conv. Burghs III. 523.
That the said tread hes bein endevoured in former tymes but not takin full effect
