Obs. [a. F. assassine-r (16th c.), f. assassin: see prec.] To assassinate.
1670. Milton, Hist. Eng., Wks. 1738, II. 60. Cuichelm … sent privily Eumerus a hir’d Sword-man to assassin him.
1680. Spir. Popery, 67. Mr. Mitchel … when he attempted to Assassin the Lord Primate.
1788. Cowper, Mrs. Throckm. Bullfinch, i. Assassin’d by a thief.
b. fig.
1647. Wharton, Irel. War, Wks. 1683, 263. Attempt to Assassine the Honour of a whole Nation with his Invectives.
1675. Howe, Living Temp., Wks. 1834, 42/1. To assassine his own intellectual faculty.
