DEPONENTS

Noun

deponents

plural of deponent

Source: Wiktionary

DEPONENT

De*po"nent, n. Etym: [L. deponenes, -entis, laying down. See Depone, v. t.]

1. (Law)

Definition: One who deposes or testifies under oath; one who gives evidence; usually, one who testifies in writing.

2. (Gr. & Lat. Gram.)

Definition: 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. Etym: [L. deponens, -entis, laying down (its proper passive meaning), p. pr. of deponere: cf. F. déponent. See Depone.] (Gram.)

Definition: Having a passive form with an active meaning, as certain latin and Greek verbs.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition