the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > hostile action or attack > make an attack upon [verb (transitive)] > cause or incite to attack > spec an animal (usually dog) (4)
transitive. To incite, set on (a dog, etc.).
transitive. To set on (a dog) to bite or worry.
transitive. To incite or set on (a dog). Also const. on, at, against (a person, etc.).
(in senses 1a–1e dialect) To urge on (an animal) to the attack by a vehement outcry.