premise: to <mask> a musket or an arrow, the fist or a blow (at something); to <mask> a satire or a reflection (at some person or vice).
hypothesis: the best context for <mask> here is To direct or point, as a weapon, at a particular object; to direct, as a missile, an act, or a proceeding, at, to, or against an object; but not To direct the indention or purpose; to attempt the accomplishment of a purpose; to try to gain.