onset

Noun

WordNet 3.0

the beginning or early stages“the onset of pneumonia”Synonyms: oncoming
(military) an offensive against an enemy (using weapons)“the attack began at dawn”Synonyms: attack onslaught onrush

Onset \On"set`\, n. [On + set.]

1.A rushing or setting upon; an attack; an assault; a storming; especially, the assault of an army. --Milton. [1913 Webster]

The onset and retire Of both your armies.— Shak.[1913 Webster]

Who on that day the word of onset gave.— Wordsworth.[1913 Webster]

2.A setting about; a beginning; -- used especially of diseases or pathological symptoms. --Shak. [1913 Webster +PJC]

There is surely no greater wisdom than well to time the beginnings and onsets of things.— Bacon.[1913 Webster]

3.Anything set on, or added, as an ornament or as a useful appendage. [Obs.] --Johnson. [1913 Webster]

Onset \On"set`\, v. t.

1.To assault; to set upon. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

2.To set about; to begin. [Obs.] --Carew. [1913 Webster]