5. The beginning of corrosive, decomposing, or destructive action, by a chemical agent.
At*tack"a*ble (&?;), a. Capable of being attacked.
At*tack"er (&?;), n. One who attacks.
{ At"ta*gas (&?;), At"ta*gen (&?;), } n. [L. attagen a kind of bird, Gr. &?;, &?;.] (Zoöl.) A species of sand grouse (Syrrghaptes Pallasii) found in Asia and rarely in southern Europe.
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At"ta*ghan (t"t*gn), n. See Yataghan.
At*tain" (t*tn"), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Attained (-tnd"); p. pr. & vb. n. Attaining.] [Of. atteinen, atteignen, atainen, OF. ateindre, ataindre, F. atteindre, fr. L. attingere; ad + tangere to touch, reach. See Tangent, and cf. Attinge, Attaint.] 1. To achieve or accomplish, that is, to reach by efforts; to gain; to compass; as, to attain rest.
Is he wise who hopes to attain the end without the means?
Abp. Tillotson.
2. To gain or obtain possession of; to acquire. [Obs. with a material object.] Chaucer.