accessory Hear it!

accessory definition

ac·ces·sory (ak ses′ər ē, ək-; also ə ses′-)

adjective

  1. extra; additional; helping in a secondary or subordinate way
  2. Geol. occurring in minor amounts in a specified rock; nonessential accessory minerals are disregarded in classifying rocks
  3. Law acting as an accessory; helping in an unlawful act

Etymology: ML accessorius < L accessus, pp. of accedere, accede

noun pl. accessories -·ries

  1. something extra; thing added to help in a secondary way; specif.,
    1. an article worn or carried to complete one's costume, as purse, gloves, etc.
    2. a piece of optional equipment for convenience, comfort, appearance, etc. the accessories of an automobile
  2. Law a person who, though absent, helps another to break or escape the law; accomplice

Etymology: ME accessorie < ML: see accessorythe

accessory Idioms

accessory before (or after) the fact

a person who, though absent at the commission of a felony, aids or abets the accused before (or after) its commission

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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