[a. F. effort, noun of action, f. efforcer: see EFFORCE v.; in OF. and Pr. esfort, It. sforzo. In 17th and 18th c. accented effo·rt; see quots. in 2.]
† 1. Power: also, pl. powers, properties. Obs.
1490. Caxton, Eneydos, i. 14. The yate … passed alle other in efforte and strengthe.
a. 1680. Butler, Rem. (1759), II. 15. The same Efforts, she does confer Upon the same Productions here.
2. A strenuous putting forth of power, physical or mental; a laborious attempt; a struggle.
c. 1489. Caxton, Sonnes of Aymon, 527. Thadmyrall sawe the grete efforte of armes that Reynawde made agenste his folke.
c. 1636. Denham, Passion of Dido, 248. Life’s last efforts yet striving with her wound.
1682. Shadwell, Medal, 121. In Cromwels Court, Where first your Muse did make her great effort.
1735. Somerville, Chase, III. 113. The panting Courser … Makes many a faint Effort.
1769. Falconer, Dict. Marine (1789), H h iv. The rope-bands are sufficient to sustain the effort of the sail.
1809–10. Coleridge, Friend (1865), 7. On whatever subject the mind feels a lively interest, attention, though always an effort, becomes a delightful effort.
1860. Tyndall, Glac., I. § 27. 201–2. It required a considerable effort to escape.
b. In the fine arts, oratory, etc.: A display of power, an achievement.
1857. Buckle, Civiliz., I. xiii. 728. There is, indeed, in some of his [Bossuet’s] greatest efforts … much … majesty of genius.
