GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Onset (?), n. [On + set.]
   1. A rushing or setting upon; an attack; an assault; a storming; especially, the assault of an army.  Milton.
   
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   The onset and retire
   
   Of both your armies. Shak.
   
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   Who on that day the word of onset gave. Wordsworth.
   
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   2. A setting about; a beginning; -- used especially of diseases or pathological symptoms. Shak.
   
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   There is surely no greater wisdom than well to time the beginnings and onsets of things. Bacon.
   
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   3. Anything set on, or added, as an ornament or as a useful appendage. [Obs.]  Johnson.
   
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2.       
   Onset, v. t.
   1. To assault; to set upon. [Obs.]
   
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   2. To set about; to begin. [Obs.]  Carew.
   
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