[n. of action f. ASSASSINATE (or its L. or F. original): see -TION. Fr. has assassinat.] The action of assassinating; the taking the life of any one by treacherous violence, esp. by a hired emissary, or one who has taken upon him to execute the deed.
1605. Shaks., Macb., I. vii. 2. If th’ Assassination Could trammell vp the Consequence, and catch With his surcease, Successe.
a. 1674. Clarendon, Hist. Reb., I. I. 22. The Duke finished his course, by a wicked Assassination.
1855. Macaulay, Hist. Eng., IV. xxi. 660. The English regard assassination … with a loathing peculiar to themselves.
b. fig. Cf. ‘killing.’
1800. Foster, in Life & Corr. (1846), I. 136. Company is assembled for the assassination of time.
