ASSESS', verb transitive [Latin assideo, ad and sedeo.] 1. To set, fix or charge a certain sum upon one, as a tax; as, to assess each citizen in due proportion. 2. To value; to fix the value of property, for the purpose of being taxed; as by the law of the United States. Also, to value or fix the profits of business, for the purpose of taxation. 3. To set, fix or ascertain; as, it is the province of a jury to assess damages. ASSESS', noun Assessment. [Not used.]
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI