Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Onset
On′setˊ
,Noun.
[
On
+ set
.] 1.
A rushing or setting upon; an attack; an assault; a storming; especially, the assault of an army.
Milton.
The
Of both your armies.
onset
and retireOf both your armies.
Shakespeare
Who on that day the word of
onset
gave. Wordsworth.
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.
On′setˊ
,Verb.
T.
1.
To assault; to set upon.
[Obs.]
2.
To set about; to begin.
[Obs.]
Carew.
Webster 1828 Edition
Onset
ON'SET
,Noun.
1.
A rushing or setting upon; a violent attack; assault; a storming; appropriately, the assault of an army or body of troops upon an enemy or a fort.The shout of battle now began and rushing sound of onset.
2.
An attack of any kind; as the impetuous onset of grief.ON'SET
,Verb.
T.