Definition

1. Noun:

   • A person who assists in or has knowledge of a crime without being the principal offender: An "accessary" is someone who helps another person commit a crime, either before or after the act, but is not present during its commission.
   • (Archaic) An accessory or adjunct; something added: This older, general meaning refers to a supplementary item or detail.

2. Adjective:

   • Aiding or contributing in a secondary way, especially in a crime: Describes involvement that facilitates a crime without being the main perpetrator. This form is now largely archaic, with "accessory" being the preferred modern spelling.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The driver was convicted as an accessary to the robbery.
  • In the old legal text, he was listed as an accessary after the fact for hiding the stolen goods.

• Adjective:

  • He was found guilty of being accessary to the fraud. (Archaic/legal usage)
  • The court considered her accessary involvement in the plot.

Advanced Usage

• Legal Distinction (Historical): Traditionally, an "accessary before the fact" helped plan or prepare for the crime but was not present. An "accessary after the fact" assisted the criminal after the crime was committed, knowing it had occurred. In modern law, the term "accessory" is used, and these categories are often simplified.
• "Accessary" vs. "Accessory": "Accessary" is an older spelling variant that is now almost entirely superseded by "accessory" in all meanings (both legal and general). Using "accessary" may be seen as archaic or a spelling error in contemporary English.

Variants and Related Words

• Accessory (n. & adj.): The standard modern spelling for both the legal accomplice and the supplementary item meanings.
  • She bought a matching accessory for her handbag.
  • He was charged as an accessory to murder.
• Accomplice (n.): A partner or associate in crime, often implying more direct involvement.
• Aider and abettor (n.): A legal term for one who assists or encourages a crime.

Synonyms

• Noun (Legal): Accomplice, abettor, collaborator, conspirator, helper.
• Noun (General, archaic): Adjunct, appendage, supplement, addition.
• Adjective: Contributory, ancillary, supplementary, assisting.

Related Phrases

• To be accessary to: (Archaic phrase) To be involved in aiding a crime.
  • He was found to be accessary to the treasonous act.
• Principal and accessary: (Legal phrase) Refers to the main offender and the secondary helper.

Related Idioms

• (To be) in on it: (Informal idiom) To have knowledge of and often involvement in a secret or plan, which can include criminal activity. This captures the conspiratorial sense of being an accessary.
  • I think she was in on it from the beginning.

Adjective

1. aiding and abetting in a crime
   • he was charged with being accessory to the crime

Noun

1. someone who helps another person commit a crime