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a person who attacks.
Archaic. ; attacking; hostile.
Contemporary Examples

Police say Malpeso’s assailant, in contrast, was caught in the act.
Rome Study Abroad Student Stabbed in Halloween Crime Barbie Latza Nadeau November 1, 2012

Deng quickly decked the assailant, achieving her own bit of YouTube immortality.
What Would the New York Post Say About Rupert Murdoch’s Divorce? David Freedlander June 12, 2013

The rationale in those cases, he said, is that DNA should be used to identify the assailant.
How the U.S. Ended Up With 400,000 Untested Rape Kits Caitlin Dickson September 22, 2014

Navigating the Army medical system, he continues, gave him and Kevin a certain sympathy for their assailant.
A Soldier and a Cadet, Quietly Together Under DADT, Survive A Sexual Assault Jesse Ellison October 10, 2012

Next, the assailant shot Gonzalez, who played dead on the floor.
Shawna Forde: Beautician, Vigilante, Killer? Terry Greene Sterling February 8, 2011

Historical Examples

His wounds were dressed and the authorities notified to arrest his assailant.
The Eagle’s Heart Hamlin Garland

She grasped the arm of her assailant and struggled with all her might, but to no purpose.
The Film of Fear Arnold Fredericks

The door was opened hastily by Liffie Lee, who, being a much lighter weight than her assailant, went down before her rush.
The Young Trawler R.M. Ballantyne

He parried the blow on his sabre, and with the flat of it knocked his assailant senseless.
The Snare Rafael Sabatini

Suddenly springing upon his assailant, he bore him to the ground, and held him there.
The Boat Club Oliver Optic

noun
a person who attacks another, either physically or verbally: he was unable to recognize his assailants
n.

1530s, from French assailant, noun use of present participle of assailir (see assail). Earlier in same sense was assailer (c.1400).