accosts

verb (used with object)

1. to confront boldly: The beggar accosted me for money.
2. to approach, especially with a greeting, question, or remark.
3. (of prostitutes, procurers, etc.) to solicit for sexual purposes.

noun

4. a greeting.

verb

1. (tr) to approach, stop, and speak to (a person), as to ask a question, accuse of a crime, solicit sexually, etc

noun

2. rare a greeting

v.

1570s, from Middle French accoster “move up to,” from Italian accostare or directly from Late Latin accostare “come up to the side,” from Latin ad- “to” (see ad-) + costa “rib, side” (see coast (n.)). The original notion is of fleets of warships attacking an enemy’s coast. Related: Accosted; accosting.