Auxiliary.
Synonyms:
| accessory, | ally, | coadjutor, | helper, | promoter, |
| aid, | assistant, | confederate, | mercenary, | subordinate. |
An auxiliary is a person or thing that helps in a subordinate capacity. Allies unite as equals; auxiliaries are, at least technically, inferiors or subordinates. Yet the auxiliary is more than a mere assistant. The word is oftenest found in the plural, and in the military sense; auxiliaries are troops of one nation uniting with the armies, and acting under the orders, of another. Mercenaries serve only for pay; auxiliaries often for reasons of state, policy, or patriotism as well. Compare ACCESSORY; APPENDAGE.
Antonyms:
antagonist, hinderer, opponent, opposer.
Prepositions:
The auxiliaries of the Romans; an auxiliary in a good cause; an auxiliary to learning.