De*pend"ent (?), a. [L. dependens, -entis, p. pr. dependere. See Depend, and cf. Dependant.]
1.
Hanging down; as, a dependent bough or leaf.
2.
Relying on, or subject to, something else for support; not able to exist, or sustain itself, or to perform anything, without the will, power, or aid of something else; not self-sustaining; contingent or conditioned; subordinate; -- often with on or upon; as, dependent on God; dependent upon friends.
England, long dependent and degraded, was again a power of the first rank.
Macaulay.
Dependent covenant or contract Law, one not binding until some connecting stipulation is performed. -- Dependent variable Math., a varying quantity whose changes are arbitrary, but are regarded as produced by changes in another variable, which is called the independent variable.
© Webster 1913.
De*pend"ent, n.
1.
One who depends; one who is sustained by another, or who relies on another for support of favor; a hanger-on; a retainer; as, a numerous train of dependents.
A host of dependents on the court, suborned to play their part as witnesses.
Hallam.
2.
That which depends; corollary; consequence.
With all its circumstances and dependents.
Prynne.
See the Note under Dependant.
© Webster 1913.