surprisal

[ ser-prahy-zuh l ]

/ sərˈpraɪ zəl /

the act of surprising.

the state of being surprised.

a surprise.

Origin of surprisal

First recorded in 1585–95; surprise + -al²

The tradition probably refers to an unsuccessful attempt at surprisal by their enemies.

Traditions of the North American Indians, Vol. 1 (of 3) |James Athearn Jones
The surprisal of this was entrusted to Tarleton, who, with his dragoons was in Webster's advanced guard.

The Student's Life of Washington; Condensed from the Larger Work of Washington Irving |Washington Irving
He that receives that traitor within his gates shall too late complain of surprisal.

Nineteen Centuries of Drink in England |Richard Valpy French
Everything was to be conducted with secrecy and by the way of surprisal.

The Student's Life of Washington; Condensed from the Larger Work of Washington Irving |Washington Irving

Unless by surprisal and extreme despatch, there is clearly no hope!

History of Friedrich II. of Prussia, Vol. XX. (of XXI.) |Thomas Carlyle