▪ I. assailing, vbl. n.
(əˈseɪlɪŋ)
[f. assail v. + -ing1.]
The action of attacking, assault.
| 1340 Ayenb. 117 We ne moȝe naȝt..þolye þe asaylinges of þe dyeule. c 1425 Wyntoun Cron. viii. xxvi. 333 Wyth stout and manlyk assaylyng. 1598 Barret Theor. Warres v. ii. 131 By a long and gallant assailling, it fall at last into the enemies hands. 1630 Naunton Fragm. Reg. (Arb.) 36 Why she should then admit him to private discourse..considering the condition of all assailings..was a piece of reach and hazard beyond my apprehension. 1815 Lamb Life & Lett. x. (1840) 96 Jove..tottering with the giant assailings. |
▪ II. aˈssailing, ppl. a.
[f. as prec. + -ing2.]
That assails; attacking, assaulting.
| 1592 W. Wyrley Armorie 41 We warely batteled..Th' assayling tempter. 1592 Shakes. Rom. & Jul. i. i. 219 Nor bid [v.r. bide] th' incounter of assailing eyes. 1795 Southey Joan of Arc viii. 195 Glacidas his eye Cast on the assailing host. |