ASSAY

The proof or trial, by chemical 0 experiments, of the purity or finene of metals,-particularly of the precious metals, gold and silver. A trial of weights and · measures by a standard; as by the constituted authorities, clerks of markets, etc. Reg. Orig. 280. E A trial or examination of certain commodities, as bread, cloths, etc. Cowell; Blount. -A ay office, The staff of persons by whom (9r the building in which) the proce of a ay• ing gold and silver, required by government, in,. cidental to maintaining the coinage, is con• f ducted. [s. 99]