accessory

accessory · adjective¹

1. Proto-Indo-European*h₂éd
2. Proto-Italic*ad
3. Proto-Italic*ad-
4. Latinad-
5. Proto-Italic*kezdō
6. Latincēdō
7. Latinaccēdō
8. Latinaccessor
9. Medieval Latinaccessōrius
10. English todayaccessory

From Medieval Latin accessōrius, from Latin accessor (“helper, subordinate”), from accessus. Compare access, from same root.

accessory · noun²

1. Latin · derived fromaccessor“helper, subordinate”
2. Medieval Latin · derived fromaccessōrius
3. Middle English · inherited fromaccessorie
4. English todayaccessory

From Middle English accessorie, from Medieval Latin accessōrius, from Latin accessor (“helper, subordinate”), from accessus. Compare access, from same root.

First known use, by meaning

• from 1550s Having a secondary, supplementary or subordinate function by accompanying as a subordinate; aiding in a secondary way; being additional; contributing or being contributory.
• from 1896 An article that completes one's basic outfit, such as a scarf or gloves.
• from 1414 A person who is not present at a crime, but contributes to it as an assistant or instigator.