As*cend"ant (&?;), n. [F. ascendant, L. ascendens; p. pr. of ascendere.] 1. Ascent; height; elevation. [R.]

Sciences that were then in their highest ascendant.
Temple.

2. (Astrol.) The horoscope, or that degree of the ecliptic which rises above the horizon at the moment of one's birth; supposed to have a commanding influence on a person's life and fortune.

&fist; Hence the phrases

To be in the ascendant, to have commanding power or influence, and Lord of the ascendant, one who has possession of such power or influence; as, to rule, for a while, lord of the ascendant. Burke.

3. Superiority, or commanding influence; ascendency; as, one man has the ascendant over another.

Chievres had acquired over the mind of the young monarch the ascendant not only of a tutor, but of a parent.
Robertson.

4. An ancestor, or one who precedes in genealogy or degrees of kindred; a relative in the ascending line; a progenitor; -- opposed to descendant. Ayliffe.

{ As*cend"ant (&?;), As*cend"ent (&?;), } a. 1. Rising toward the zenith; above the horizon.

The constellation . . . about that time ascendant.
Browne.

2. Rising; ascending. Ruskin.

3. Superior; surpassing; ruling.

An ascendant spirit over him.
South.

The ascendant community obtained a surplus of wealth.
J. S. Mill.

Without some power of persuading or confuting, of defending himself against accusations, . . . no man could possibly hold an ascendent position.
Grote.