Category:Onset

On"set`, n. Etym: [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.

Onset On"set`, v. t.

1. To assault; to set upon. [obs.]

2. To set about; to begin. [obs.] Carew.