subs. (colloquial).—A commencement of operations: as (jocularly) upon dinner, a problem, correspondence, etc. Also as verb.
1812. COMBE, Dr. Syntax, Picturesque, xvii. 62. The Doctor then … pronounced the grace … The fierce ATTACK was soon begun.
1849. THACKERAY, Pendennis, i. It was a double letter, and the Major commenced perusing the envelope before he ATTACKED the inner epistle.
