The term was first used by the French writer Michel de Montaigne in the 16th century. He titled his collection of personal reflections *Essais* (1580), which literally translates to "attempts."
Montaigne's essays were considered informal, personal, and introspective. He used them to explore his own thoughts and experiences, rather than presenting a formal argument or thesis.
Over time, the word "essay" came to be associated with a short piece of writing that explores a particular topic or issue. However, the original meaning of "attempt" or "trial" is still relevant, as essays often reflect the writer's exploration of a topic rather than presenting a definitive conclusion.