a tort(and indeed battery) It has to be recognised that assault as of any universal principle has its limitations and falls far short ding redress for every conceivable type of harm which might be intentionally inflicted. For example, it is quite possible to cause words or conduct which is not actionable as assault, but which may fall within the scope of some other nominate or innominate tort such as Wilkinsonv Downton(18971 2 QB 57. This is one example where a question might cross the traditional boundaries of individual torts and accordingly prove popular with examiners.