1. (n.) A proposition; a maxim.

2. (n.) The introductory or subordinate member of a sentence, generally of a conditional sentence; -- opposed to apodosis. See Apodosis.

3. (n.) The first part of a drama, of a poem, or the like; the introduction; opposed to epitasis.

aggravated assault aggression amphibious attack armed assault assailing assailment assault attack avant-propos banzai attack blitz blitzkrieg boost charge coinage counterattack counteroffensive coup de main crippling attack dead set at descent on discovery diversion diversionary attack drive exordium flank attack foreword front matter frontal attack frontispiece gas attack head-on attack hike increase infiltration innovation introduction invention leap lightning attack lightning war mass attack megadeath mugging neologism new phase novelty offense offensive onset onslaught overkill overture panzer warfare postulate preamble preface prefix prefixture preliminary prelude premise presupposition proem prolegomena prolegomenon prolepsis prologue protasis push run against run at rush sally shock tactics sortie strike unprovoked assault upgrade verse voluntary wax