(v. t.) 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.
(v. t.) To encounter or meet purposely with the view of
mastering, as an obstacle, difficulty, or the like.
(v. t.) 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.