Question

Read the excerpts from Samuel Johnson’s preface to A Dictionary of the English Language.

Excerpts from Samuel Johnson's preface to A Dictionary of the English Language.

In both excerpts, the word endeavour means to

probe, investigate, or examine.
make an effort or attempt, or to try.
judge harshly or criticize.
overlook, ignore, or neglect.

Answer 1

make an effort or attempt, or to try.

(Here "endeavour" is used in the sense of attempting or striving to do something.)