from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Say \Say\ (s[=a]), n. [Aphetic form of assay.]
1. Trial by sample; assay; sample; specimen; smack. [Obs.]
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If those principal works of God . . . be but certain
tastes and says, as it were, of that final benefit.
--Hooker.
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Thy tongue some say of breeding breathes. --Shak.
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2. Tried quality; temper; proof. [Obs.]
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He found a sword of better say. --Spenser.
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3. Essay; trial; attempt. [Obs.]
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{To give a say at}, to attempt. --B. Jonson.
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