What is "attempt to commit a crime"

Attempt \At*tempt"\, n. A essay, trial, or endeavor; an undertaking; an attack, or an effort to gain a point; esp. an unsuccessful, as contrasted with a successful, effort.

By his blindness maimed for high attempts.
--Milton.

Attempt to commit a crime (Law), such an intentional preparatory act as will apparently result, if not extrinsically hindered, in a crime which it was designed to effect.
--Wharton.

Syn: Attempt, Endeavor, Effort, Exertion, Trial.

Usage: These words agree in the idea of calling forth our powers into action. Trial is the generic term; it denotes a putting forth of one's powers with a view to determine what they can accomplish; as, to make trial of one's strength. An attempt is always directed to some definite and specific object; as, ``The attempt, and not the deed, confounds us.''
--Shak. An endeavor is a continued attempt; as, ``His high endeavor and his glad success.''
--Cowper. Effort is a specific putting forth of strength in order to carry out an attempt. Exertion is the putting forth or active exercise of any faculty or power. ``It admits of all degrees of effort and even natural action without effort.''
--C. J. Smith. See Try.