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Webster 1913 Edition
Assassin
As-sas′sin
,Noun.
[F. (cf. It.
assassino
), fr. Ar. ‘hashishin
one who has drunk of the hashish
. Under its influence the Assassins of the East, followers of the Shaikh al-Jabal (Old Man of the Mountain), were said to commit the murders required by their chief.] One who kills, or attempts to kill, by surprise or secret assault; one who treacherously murders any one unprepared for defense.
As-sas′sin
,Verb.
T.
To assassinate.
[Obs.]
Stillingfleet.
Webster 1828 Edition
Assassin
ASSAS'SIN
,Noun.
One who kills or attempts to kill, by surprise or secret assault. The circumstance of surprise or secresy seems essential to the signification of this word; though it is sometimes used to denote one who takes any advantage, in killing or attempting to murder; as by attacking one when unarmed.