oncomes

Noun

oncome (plural oncomes)

1. Advent, arrival, approach; onset.
   • I see the dawn or rather I feel the oncome of it.1978, Edna O'Brien, I hardly knew you
2. The commencement or initial stages of a business, especially of one which requires great exertion.
3. The setting about of an action; development; progress.
4. An attack; an attack or onset of a disease, fit, or episode.
   • On inquiry it was found that this neurosis corresponded in time with the oncome of the catamenia.1881, American journal of obstetrics and diseases of women and children: Volume 14
5. (dialectal) A mysterious disease or ailment.
   • This woman had acquired a considerable reputation among the ignorant by the pretended cures which she performed, especially in oncomes, as the Scotch call them, or mysterious diseases, which baffle the regular physician.1858, Sir Walter Scott, The bride of Lammermoor
6. (dialectal) A heavy fall of rain or snow; cloudburst.

See all 8 meanings of oncome