んと欲ほっす

expression

try to; endeavor to; want to

Classical Japanese expression attached to the ない-stem of a verb. Expresses an attempt or desire to do something. Rare in modern Japanese; encountered mainly in pre-modern texts.

• 昔むかしの人ひとは、道みちを極きわめんと欲ほっして旅たびに出でた。

  People in the old days set out on journeys, endeavoring to master the way.

• 彼かれは真しん実じつを知しらんと欲ほっしたが、果はたせなかった。

  He wanted to know the truth, but could not achieve it.