n. [ On + set. ]
The onset and retire
Of both your armies. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]
Who on that day the word of onset gave. Wordsworth. [ 1913 Webster ]
There is surely no greater wisdom than well to time the beginnings and onsets of things. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]
v. t.
adj. coming from the sea toward the land; -- of winds and weather;
adj. (Sports) Not offside; being within the prescribed area of play.
(Football) A kickoff in which the kicking team attempts to kick the ball only so far as is legally required (beyond the 50-yard line), so as to have a better chance to recover the kicked ball itself; -- it is a risky type of play used only when the kicking team is losing and there is little time left to play. [ PJC ]
n. [ OE. on on + slaught, slaht, slaughter. See Slaughter. ]
By storm and onslaught to proceed. Hudibras. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ Possibly a corruption of homestead. ] A single farmhouse; a steading. [ Prov. Eng. & Scot. ] Grose. Jamieson. [ 1913 Webster ]