De*po"nent (?), n. [L.
deponenes, -entis, laying down. See Depone,
v. t.] 1. (Law) One who
deposes or testifies under oath; one who gives evidence; usually, one
who testifies in writing.
2. (Gr. & Lat. Gram.) A deponent
verb.
Syn. -- Deponent, Affiant. These are legal
terms describing a person who makes a written declaration under oath,
with a view to establish certain facts. An affiant is one who
makes an affidavit, or declaration under oath, in order to establish
the truth of what he says. A deponenet is one who makes a
deposition, or gives written testimony under oath, to be used in the
trial of some case before a court of justice. See under
Deposition.
De*po"nent, a. [L. deponens,
-entis, laying down (its proper passive meaning), p. pr. of
deponere: cf. F. déponent. See Depone.]
(Gram.) Having a passive form with an active meaning, as
certain latin and Greek verbs.
