v. & n.
--v.tr.
1. (usu. foll. by to) a allot as a share or responsibility. b appoint to a position, task, etc.
2 fix (a time, place, etc.) for a specific purpose.
3 (foll. by to) ascribe or refer to (a reason, date, etc.) (assigned the manuscript to 1832).
4 (foll. by to) transfer formally (esp. personal property) to (another).
--n. a person to whom property or rights are legally transferred.
Derivatives:
assignable adj. assigner n. assignor n. (in sense 4 of v.).
Etymology: ME f. OF asi(g)ner f. L assignare mark out to (as AD-, signum sign)