ONSET

onset. Onset, n. an attack, assault, attempt, appendage

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On″set′ (?), n. [[On + set.]] 1. 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. 2. A setting about; a beginning. Shak.
There is surely no greater wisdom than well to time the beginnings and onsets of things. Bacon. 3. 3. Anything set on, or added, as an ornament or as a useful appendage. Johnson.