1. a murderer of an important person in a surprise attack for political or religious reasons.
▪ a member of the Nizari branch of Ismaili Muslims at the time of the Crusades, when the newly established sect ruled part of northern Persia (1094–1256). They were renowned as militant fanatics, and were popularly reputed to use hashish before going on murder missions.
Word Originmid 16th century: from French, or from medieval Latin assassinus, from Arabic ḥašīšī ‘hashish-eater’.
