[a. L. aggressor n. of agent, f. aggredi: see AGGRESS v.; cf. Fr. agresseur, 16th c. in Littré.] He who sets upon, attacks or assails another; he who makes the first attack, or takes the first step in provoking a quarrel.
[Not in Cotgr. 1611–50, who renders Fr. aggresseur, an assailer or assaulter, hee that gives the onset, or first layes hands on his weapon, to do another violence.]
1678. Phillips, Aggressour, an assailer of another, a beginner of a business.
1684. Burnet, trans. More’s Utopia, 155. To defend themselves, or their Friends, from any unjust Aggressors.
1701. Lond. Gaz., mmmdccxiii/2. The French were the first Aggressors, by seizing all the Boats.
1768. Blackstone, Comm., I. 259. He may attack and seise the property of the aggressor nation.
1851. Mariotti, Italy, i. 44. The Austrian was the aggressor.
