Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Assistance \As*sist"ance\, n. [Cf. F. assistance.]
   1. The act of assisting; help; aid; furtherance; succor;
      support.

            Without the assistance of a mortal hand. --Shak.

   2. An assistant or helper; a body of helpers. [Obs.]

            Wat Tyler [was] killed by valiant Walworth, the lord
            mayor of London, and his assistance, . . . John
            Cavendish.                            --Fuller.

   3. Persons present. [Obs. or a Gallicism]

Source : WordNet®

assistance
     n 1: the activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need or
          furtherance of an effort or purpose; "he gave me an
          assist with the housework"; "could not walk without
          assistance"; "rescue party went to their aid"; "offered
          his help in unloading" [syn: {aid}, {assist}, {help}]
     2: a resource; "visual aids in teaching"; "economic assistance
        to depressed areas" [syn: {aid}, {help}]