Onset

Table of contents

1 Pronunciation 2 Noun 3 Verb 3.1 Transitive

Pronunciation

\On"set`\

Noun

On + set.

1. A rushing or setting upon; an attack; an assault; a storming; especially, the assault of an army. --Milton .

        The onset and retire Of both your armies. --Shak.

        Who on that day the word of onset gave.
                                              --Wordsworth 

2. A setting about; a beginning (Obs.) --Shak.

        There is surely no greater wisdom than well to time
        the beginnings and onsets of things.  --Bacon .

3. Anything set on, or added, as an ornament or as a useful appendage. (Obs.) ----Johnson .

Verb

Transitive

1. To assault; to set upon. (Obs.)

2. To set about; to begin. (Obs.) --Carew .