\As*cend"ant\, n. [F. ascendant, L. ascendens; p. pr.
of ascendere.]
1. Ascent; height; elevation. [R.]
         Sciences that were then in their highest ascendant.
                                               --Temple.
2. (Astrol.) 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.
Note: Hence the phrases
{To be in the ascendant}, to have commanding power or
   influence, and
{Lord of the ascendant}, one who has possession of such power
   or influence; as, to rule, for a while, lord of the
   ascendant. --Burke.
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}. --Ayliffe.

\As*cend"ant\, Ascendent \As*cend"ent\, a.
1. Rising toward the zenith; above the horizon.
         The constellation . . . about that time ascendant.
                                               --Browne.
2. Rising; ascending. --Ruskin.
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.