Also 6 assistar; and see ASSISTOR. [f. ASSIST v. + -ER1.]
1. He who is present at or takes part in an assembly, ceremony, etc. arch. (Cf. ASSIST v. 4, 4 b.)
1705. Stanhope, Paraphr., I. 34. The Assisters at this Ceremony.
1728. Morgan, Algiers, I. iii. 68. The numerous assembly of Bishops who are upon record, as assisters at the African Councils.
1853. De Quincey, Wks., XIV. vii. 206. The lay spectator or assister.
2. He who or that which gives help, or assists in doing something; = ASSISTANT sb. 2.
1535. Stewart, Cron. Scot., II. 248. That he sould be assistar to that cryme.
1634. Massinger, Very Wom., II. iii. You may be a great assister in my ends.
1681. Phil. Collect., XII. 23. The natural heat that is … the constant assister of this motion.
1721. Swift, S. Sea Proj., xxix. We gentlemen are your assisters.
1841. Lane, Arab. Nts., III. 239. A lover unto whom there is no assister or helper save the morning.
