Ascendant — Defs

01 n. Ascent; height; elevation.

1.
Ascent; height; elevation.[R.]
“Sciences that were then in their highest ascendant.” — Temple.
2.
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.(Astrol.)
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.

02 a. Rising toward the zenith; above the horizon.

1.
Rising toward the zenith; above the horizon.
“The constellation . . . about that time ascendant.” — Browne.
2.
Rising; ascending.
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.