What does "assistant" mean?

Assistant: (Mil.) Of the second grade in the staff of the army; as, an assistant surgeon. [U.S.] Note: In the English army it designates the third grade in any particular branch of the staff. Farrow.

Additional senses

  1. 2.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.
  2. 3.An attendant; one who is present. Dryden.

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