'Subsidiary' definitions:

Definition of 'subsidiary'

From: WordNet
adjective
Functioning in a supporting capacity; "the main library and its auxiliary branches" [syn: auxiliary, subsidiary, supplemental, supplementary]
noun
An assistant subject to the authority or control of another [syn: subordinate, subsidiary, underling, foot soldier]
noun
A company that is completely controlled by another company [syn: subsidiary company, subsidiary]

Definition of 'Subsidiary'

From: GCIDE
  • Subsidiary \Sub*sid"i*a*ry\, a. [L. subsidiarius: cf. F. subsidiaire. See Subsidy.]
  • 1. Furnishing aid; assisting; auxiliary; helping; tributary; especially, aiding in an inferior position or capacity; as, a subsidiary stream. [1913 Webster]
  • Chief ruler and principal head everywhere, not suffragant and subsidiary. --Florio. [1913 Webster]
  • They constituted a useful subsidiary testimony of another state of existence. --Coleridge. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Of or pertaining to a subsidy; constituting a subsidy; being a part of, or of the nature of, a subsidy; as, subsidiary payments to an ally. [1913 Webster]
  • George the Second relied on his subsidiary treaties. --Ld. Mahon. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Subsidiary'

From: GCIDE
  • Subsidiary \Sub*sid"i*a*ry\, n.; pl. Subsidiaries. One who, or that which, contributes aid or additional supplies; an assistant; an auxiliary. --Hammond. [1913 Webster]