As*sist"ant (#), a. [Cf. F. assistant, p. pr. of assister.]

1.

Helping; lending aid or support; auxiliary.

Genius and learning . . . are mutually and greatly assistant to each other. Beattie.

2. Mil.

Of the second grade in the staff of the army; as, an assistant surgeon.

[U.S.]

⇒ In the English army it designates the third grade in any particular branch of the staff.

Farrow.

 

© Webster 1913.


As*sist"ant (#), n.

1.

One who, or that which, assists; a helper; an auxiliary; a means of help.

Four assistants who his labor share. Pope.

Rhymes merely as assistants to memory. Mrs. Chapone.

2.

An attendant; one who is present.

Dryden.

 

© Webster 1913.