— accessorily , adv. — accessoriness , n.
/ak ses"euh ree/ , n. , pl. accessories , adj.
n.
1. a subordinate or supplementary part, object, or the like, used mainly for convenience, attractiveness, safety, etc., as a spotlight on an automobile or a lens cover on a camera.
2. an article or set of articles of dress, as gloves, earrings, or a scarf, that adds completeness, convenience, attractiveness, etc., to one's basic outfit.
3. Law.
a. Also called accessory before the fact . a person who, though not present during the commission of a felony, is guilty of having aided and abetted another, who committed the felony.
b. Also called accessory after the fact . a person who knowingly conceals or assists another who has committed a felony. Cf. principal (def. 9b).
4. Anat. See accessory nerve .
adj.
5. contributing to a general effect; supplementary; subsidiary.
6. Law. giving aid as an accessory.
7. Petrog. noting any mineral whose presence in a rock has no bearing on the classification of the rock, as zircon in granite.
[ 1400-50; late ME accessorie ( accessorius. See ACCEDE, -TORY 1 ]
Syn. 1. See addition. 3. accomplice.