accessary
n. countablen. a person who helps someone commit a crime but does not do the crime themselves. They are usually involved in planning or providing tools for the crime.
n. a person who knowingly and voluntarily assists another in the commission of a crime without being present at the scene. Often distinguished from an accomplice by the lack of physical presence during the act.
The court found him guilty as an accessary to the theft.
While the main perpetrator was arrested at the scene, his brother was later charged as an accessary for providing the stolen keys.
Legal scholars often debate the distinction between an accessary and an accomplice, noting that the former's liability typically depends on their prior knowledge of the criminal intent.
From Middle English accessarie, axcessary, excercary, from Medieval Latin accessārius.
From Medieval Latin accessārius.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Last updated June 4, 2026