Assassin

n. [Fr. & Pr. assassin, It. assassino, Sp. asesino, from Ar. 'hashishin, one who has drunk of the hashish, an inebriating draught prepared from the powder of the leaves of hemp. 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. “The vile assassin and adulterous dame.” Pope.