Middle English Dictionary Entry
assail(l)e n.
Entry Info
| Forms | assail(l)e n. |
| Etymology | From verb; cp. OF assaillie. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
An attack or invasion.
Associated quotations
- c1400(?a1300) KAlex.(LdMisc 622)2137 : Leteþ hem passen wiþouten assaile, And siweþ me after my taile.
- c1450 Capgr.St.Kath.(Arun 396)1.33 : To many a kyngdam made he asayle.
- (1467) Doc.in Bentley Excerpta Hist.211 : The Kyng, perceyvyng the cruell assaile, cast his staff and..cried Whoo!
- a1500(?a1325) Otuel & R (Fil)1084 : That þe soth men wel knewe, þat weren at þat assayle.