v.
Pronunciation: ə - ' s ā l
Function: transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French assaillir, from Vulgar Latin *assalire, alteration of Latin assilire to leap upon, from ad- + salire to leap ― more at SALLY
Date: 13th century
: to attack violently with blows or words
synonyms see ATTACK
– as · sail · able \ - ' s ā -l ə -b ə l \ adjective
– as · sail · ant \ - ' s ā -l ə nt \ noun