Onset
Onset , noun
[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.
Who on that day the word of onset gave.
2.
A setting about; a beginning; -- used especially of diseases or pathological symptoms. — Shakespeare
There is surely no greater wisdom than well to time the beginnings and onsets of things.
3.
Anything set on, or added, as an ornament or as a useful appendage. [Obsolete] — Johnson
Onset , transitive verb
1.
To assault; to set upon. [Obsolete]
2.
To set about; to begin. [Obsolete] — Carew