try (v.)

c. 1300, trien, "to separate (one thing) from another or others, set apart, distinguish;" especially "separate the good or desired part from the rest," from Anglo-French trier (13c.), Old French trier "to pick out, cull" (12c.), from Gallo-Roman *triare, a word of unknown origin.

Senses develop from the notion of "separate out one thing from another or others (especially what is good) by examination." Thus "examine, evaluate; discover by examination or investigation" (c. 1300); "determine (a question) by combat."

It is attested by mid-14c. in the chiefly legal sense of "examine and determine judicially by consideration of evidence; sit in judgement upon."

It is attested by mid-14c. figuratively as "put (someone or something) to the test; prove the strength, valor, or worth of," and by 1530s as "subject (patience, endurance, etc.) to severe strain."

By early 14c. as "attempt." As "ascertain by test or endeavor; test the effectiveness or operation of," 1540s, hence "use, apply, or practice tentatively." Of a window or door, "ascertain whether it is fastened or locked," by 1844. In reference to one's luck, etc., "endeavor to ascertain by experiment or effort," 1570s.

By early 14c. also in cookery, "separate or reduce by boiling or steaming" (hence tried as an adjective); later "refine oil from blubber or fat" (1580s). 

To try on "test the fit of a garment" is from 1690s; to try (something) on for size in the figurative sense is recorded by 1946. To try (one's) hand "make an attempt for the first time" is by 1711. To be willing to try anything once as a colloquial indication of openness to new experience is by 1921. Try and instead of try to is recorded from 1680s.

Intransitive sense of "make an effort" (1630s) is in the motivational phrase If at first you don't succeed, try, try again, which is attested from 1837.

"an effort, an attempt, act of trying," by 1832, colloquial, from try (v.). Earlier (late 15c.) "a screen for sifting," from the older verbal sense of "pick out, cull."