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Webster's Dictionary (1865)

3 entries under this word

Accessory

Ac-cēs'sa-ry, n.

noun

n. [See supra.] (Law.) He who is not the chief actor in the perpetration of an offense, nor present at its performance, but in some way accedes to or becomes concerned therein, either before or after the deed is committed. Bouvier.

☞ This word, as used in law, is spelt accessory by Blackstone and many others; but in this sense is spelt accessory by Bouvier, Burrill, Burns, Whishaw, Dane, and the Penny Cyclopædia; while in its other senses it is spelt accessory. This distinction is a convenient one, and is here introduced.

Ae-cēs′so-ry, a.

adjective

a. [Lat. accessorius, p. p. accessus; Fr. accessoire.]

  1. Aiding in producing some effect, or acting in subordination to the principal agent; acceding; contributing;—used in a bad sense; as, accessory to a riot.
  2. Additional; accompanying. Hooker.

☞ Ash and Gray accent the antepenult; and this is not only more regular, but preferable, from the difficulty of accenting the first syllable, as marked by most orthopists.

Ac-cēs'so-ry, n.

noun

[See ACCESSARY.] 1. (Law.) One who is guilty of a felonious offense, though not present at its perpetration; not principally, or as chief actor, but by participation, as by command, advice, or concealment, &c.

  1. That which belongs to something else as its principal; an accompaniment. “The aspect and accessories of a den of banditti.” Carlyle.
  2. (Paint.) Any thing that enters into a work of art without being indispensably necessary, as mere ornamental parts. Elmes.

Syn.—Abettor; accomplice; ally; coadjutor. See ABETTOR. ☞ An accessory before the fact is one, who though absent, yet procures, counsels, or commands another to commit a felony; after the fact, when one knowing of the felony assists, comforts, or conceals the felon.