On"set` (?), n. [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.
Shak.
Who on that day the word of onset gave.
Wordsworth.
2. A setting about; a beginning. [Obs.]
Shak.
There is surely no greater wisdom than well to time the beginnings and onsets of things.
Bacon.
3. Anything set on, or added, as an ornament or as a useful appendage. [Obs.]
Johnson.
© Webster 1913.
On"set`, v. t. 1. To assault; to set upon. [Obs.]
2. To set about; to begin. [Obs.]
Carew.
© Webster 1913. | 
