Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Assail \As*sail"\ ([a^]s*s[=a]l"), v. t. [imp. & p. p.
   {Assailed} (-s[=a]ld"); p. pr. & vb. n. {Assailing}.] [OE.
   assailen, asailen, OF. asaillir, assailler, F. assaillir; a
   (L. ad) + saillir to burst out, project, fr. L. salire to
   leap, spring; cf. L. assilire to leap or spring upon. See
   {Sally}.]
   1. To attack with violence, or in a vehement and hostile
      manner; to assault; to molest; as, to assail a man with
      blows; to assail a city with artillery.

            No rude noise mine ears assailing.    --Cowper.

            No storm can now assail The charm he wears within.
                                                  --Keble.

   2. To encounter or meet purposely with the view of mastering,
      as an obstacle, difficulty, or the like.

            The thorny wilds the woodmen fierce assail. --Pope.

   3. To attack morally, or with a view to produce changes in
      the feelings, character, conduct, existing usages,
      institutions; to attack by words, hostile influence, etc.;
      as, to assail one with appeals, arguments, abuse,
      ridicule, and the like.

            The papal authority . . . assailed.   --Hallam.

            They assailed him with keen invective; they assailed
            him with still keener irony.          --Macaulay.

   Syn: To attack; assault; invade; encounter; fall upon. See
        {Attack}.