transitive. To test the composition or quality of (a metal or ore) by melting it in a furnace, crucible, etc. Also: to refine or purify (a metal)…

transitive. To test the composition of (an ore, alloy, or other metallic compound) by chemical means, so as to determine the amount of a particular…

To test the purity of gold or silver, esp. by means of a touchstone. intransitive. Obsolete.

transitive. To subject (gold or silver) to a process of separation and refining in a test or cupel; to assay.

To test the composition of (an ore, metal, salt, etc.) by chemical means; = assay, v. 4. Obsolete.

transitive. To determine the composition and purity of (a precious metal, alloy, etc.) according to a standard; to assay.

= assay, v. 4.