To stab at

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Stab \Stab\, v. i.
   1. To give a wound with a pointed weapon; to pierce; to
      thrust with a pointed weapon.
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            None shall dare
            With shortened sword to stab in closer war.
                                                  --Dryden.
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   2. To wound or pain, as if with a pointed weapon.
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            She speaks poniards, and every word stabs. --Shak.
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   {To stab at}, to offer or threaten to stab; to thrust a
      pointed weapon at.
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