fraist means to try; test; prove; put to the proof; make trial (of). Lexicurio rates it Sui generis — a strength score of 92 out of 100.
Why “fraist” is a great word
FRAIST — [Verb] To try, test, or make trial of; to learn by experience; or to inquire. From Middle English fraisten, freisten, from Old Norse freista ("to try, tempt"), from Proto-Germanic *fraistōną ("to try"), from Proto-Indo-European *per- ("to try, risk"). Unlike "test," which implies a formal procedure against a standard, or "inquire," which narrows to verbal questioning, to fraist is to seek knowledge through raw, unmediated encounter. It is the tentative hand extended toward a blacksmith's hot iron, the cautious sip from a stranger's cup of unknown herbs, or the first unplanned turn down a forest path—the quiet, physical gamble that is the oldest form of knowing.
Etymology
From Middle English fraisten, freisten, frasten, from Old Norse freista (“to try, tempt, make trial of”), from Proto-Germanic *fraistōną (“to try”), from Proto-Indo-European *per- (“to try, risk”). Cognate with Icelandic freista (“to tempt”), Swedish fresta (“to try, tempt, tantalise”), Danish friste (“to try, tempt”), Old English frāsian (“to ask, inquire, tempt, try”). More at fraise.
verb
- To try; test; prove; put to the proof; make trial (of).“Þen found he no frekes to fraist on his strenght.”
- To learn by trial; experience.
- To seek to learn; ask; inquire.
- To seek; be eager for; desire.
- To go forth on an expedition; sally forth.