As*cend"ant (#), n. [F. ascendant, L. ascendens; p. pr. of ascendere.]
1.
Ascent; height; elevation.
[R.]
Sciences that were then in their highest ascendant.
Temple.
2. Astrol.
The horoscope, or that degree of the ecliptic which rises above the horizon at the moment of one's birth; supposed to have a commanding influence on a person's life and fortune.
⇒ Hence the phrases To be in the ascendant, to have commanding power or influence, and Lord of the ascendant, one who has possession of such power or influence; as, to rule, for a while, lord of the ascendant.
Burke.
3.
Superiority, or commanding influence; ascendency; as, one man has the ascendant over another.
Chievres had acquired over the mind of the young monarch the ascendant not only of a tutor, but of a parent.
Robertson.
4.
An ancestor, or one who precedes in genealogy or degrees of kindred; a relative in the ascending line; a progenitor; -- opposed to descendant.
Ayliffe.
© Webster 1913.
As*cend"ant (#), As*cend"ent (#), a.
1.
Rising toward the zenith; above the horizon.
The constellation . . . about that time ascendant.
Browne.
2.
Rising; ascending.
Ruskin.
3.
Superior; surpassing; ruling.
An ascendant spirit over him.
South.
The ascendant community obtained a surplus of wealth.
J. S. Mill.
Without some power of persuading or confuting, of defending himself against accusations, . . . no man could possibly hold an ascendent position.
Grote.
© Webster 1913.