(1):
(n.) A part of anything presented for inspection, or shown as evidence of the quality of the whole; a specimen; as, goods are often purchased by samples.
(2):
(n.) Example; pattern.
(3):
(v. t.) To make or show something similar to; to match.
(4):
(v. t.) To take or to test a sample or samples of; as, to sample sugar, teas, wools, cloths.