A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1983 (DOST Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Onsettar, -air, -er, n. [e.m.E. on-settour (Coverdale), on-setter (1619).] One who sets on (an enemy), an assailant …Chiefly the first onsettar, the one who strikes the first blow.1569-73 Bann. Memor. 224.
[They] thoucht best to persew the vtheris and to be the first onsetteris 1589 Burntisland B. Ct. 17 Oct. 1596 Dalr. II. 332/26.
Ouris tald planelie tha war not the first onsetteris 1600 Acts IV. 240/1.
That the saidis persones makeris of thesaidis tuilȝeis and combattis eftir dew tryell that they wer the first onsettaris [etc.] 1600 Reg. Privy C. VI. 103.
Onsettair 1613 Inverness Rec. II. 112.
Becaus the said Elspet was the onsetter, and the original of hir awin harm
