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.
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.