Attack with something picked up in the shipyard, say (6)
![Ross](/clue/static/ross-mug.min.png)
I believe the answer is:
assail
'attack' is the definition.
('assail' can be a synonym of 'attack')
I don't understand the remainder of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for assail that I've seen before include "Criticize" , "Trouble" , "Maybe mug" , "Beset" , "Set upon" .)