Approach, subst. 1) the act of drawing near: “gives intelligence of Ford's a.” Wiv. III, 5, 86. Mids. III, 2, 381. Wint. I, 2, 422. H5 IV, 1, 90. H6B III, 3, 6. Troil. IV, 1, 43. Mcb. I, 4, 46. Ant. III, 6, 45. == hostile advance, attack: “this apish and unmannerly a.” John V, 2, 131. “England his --es makes as fierce,” H5 II, 4, 9. IV, 2, 36. “should the a. of this wild river break,” H8 III, 2, 198. Tim. V, 1, 167. V, 2, 4. “makes his --es to the port of Rome,” Ant. I, 3, 46. Figuratively: “welcomes the warm a. of sweet desire,” Ven. 386.
2) access: “allowed your a.,” Tw. I, 5, 210. “at the first a. you must kneel,” Tit. IV, 3, 110.
3) arrival, coming: “did look for his a.” Pilgr. 78. “by thy a. thou makest me most unhappy,” Gentl. V, 4, 31. “Navarre had notice of your fair a.” LLL II, 81. “I should be glad of his a.” Merch. I, 2, 142. As II, 7, 8. Wint. V, 1, 89. John II, 216. R2 I, 3, 6. H6A II, 1, 9. Ant. IV, 8, 39. Mark his first a. before my lady (== coming, appearing) Tw. II, 5, 217.