2 entries under this word
a. [Lat. deponens, laying down (its proper passive meaning), p. pr. of deponere; Fr. déponent; Pr. deponen; Sp. & It. deponente; Pg. deponente. See supra.] (Gram.) Having a passive form with an active meaning;—said of certain verbs.
n. [Lat. deponens, laying down (evidence); It. deponente. See supra.]
Sense 1. (Law.) One who deposes or gives a deposition under oath; one who gives written testimony to be used as evidence in a court of justice.
Sense 2. (Gram.) A deponent verb.
Synonyms—DEPONENT, AFFIANT. These are legal terms describing a person who makes a written declaration under oath, with a view to establish certain facts. An affiant is one who makes an affidavit, or declaration under oath, in order to establish the truth of what he says. A deponent is one who makes a deposition, or gives written testimony under oath, to be used in the trial of some case before a court of justice.