Access (#; 277), n.
Etymology: [F. accès, L. accessus, fr. accedere. See Accede.]
1. A coming to, or near approach; admittance; admission; accessibility; as, to gain access to a prince. I did repel his letters, and denied His access to me. Shak.
2. The means, place, or way by which a thing may be approached; passage way; as, the access is by a neck of land. "All access was thronged." Milton.
3. Admission to sexual intercourse. During coverture, access of the husband shall be presumed, unless the contrary be shown. Blackstone.
4. Increase by something added; addition; as, an access of territory. [In this sense accession is more generally used.] I, from the influence of thy looks, receive Access in every virtue. Milton.
2 more senses
5. An onset, attack, or fit of disease. The first access looked like an apoplexy. Burnet.
6. A paroxysm; a fit of passion; an outburst; as, an access of fury. [A Gallicism]
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for access; he lists it under entrance.
Where he writes about it:
Approach is a movement toward another; access is coming all the way to his presence, recognition, and consideration. — from entrance
An unworthy favorite may prevent even those who gain admittance to a king's audience from obtaining any real access to the king. — from entrance