Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
Deponent \De*po"nent\, a. [L. deponens, -entis, laying down (its
proper passive meaning), p. pr. of deponere: cf. F.
d['e]ponent. See {Depone}.] (Gram.)
Having a passive form with an active meaning, as certain
latin and Greek verbs.
Deponent \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}.
Usage: 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}.
Source : WordNet®
deponent
n : a person who testifies or gives a deposition [syn: {testifier}]