Ten*ta"tive (?), a. [L. tentare to
try: cf. F. tentatif. See Tempt.] Of or pertaining to a
trial or trials; essaying; experimental. "A slow, tentative
manner." Carlyle. -- Ten*ta"tive*ly,
adv.
Ten*ta"tive, n. [Cf. F. tentative.]
An essay; a trial; an experiment. Berkley.