I. -t ə nt, -tənt noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English accountaunt, accomptaunt, from Middle French acontant, acomptant, from present participle of aconter, acompter to account, compute — more at account
1.
a. : one that gives an account : one that is accountable
b. archaic : the defendant in an action of account
2. archaic : one that counts or calculates
3. : one that is skilled in the practice of accounting : one that has charge of public or private accounts — distinguished from bookkeeper ; see certified public accountant , chartered accountant , public accountant
II. adjective
Etymology: Middle English accountaunt, accomptaunt, from Middle French acontant, acomptant, present participle
obsolete : liable to account : accountable
accountant to the law — Shakespeare