·vt To encounter or meet purposely with the view of mastering, as an obstacle, difficulty, or the like.
II. Assail ·vt 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.
III. Assail ·vt 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.