Emily Dickinson Lexicon

AS-SAULT', n. [Fr. assault, now assaut; It. Port. assalto; Sp. asalto; from L. assulto, of ad and salto, to leap, formed on salio, or its root. See Assail. We have the same root in insult and result.]

1. An attack or violent onset, whether by an individual, a company, or an army. An assault by private persons may be made with or without weapons. An assault by an army is a violent hostile attack; and when made upon a fort or fortified place is called a storm, as opposed to sap or siege.
2. An attack by hostile words or measures; as, an assault upon the prerogatives of a prince, or upon a constitution of government.
3. In law, an unlawful setting upon one's person; an attempt or offer to beat another, without touching his person; as by lifting the fist or a cane, in a threatening manner. If the blow aimed takes effect, it is a battery. – Blackstone. Finch.