\De*pend"ent\, a. [L. dependens, -entis, p. pr.
dependere. See {Depend}, and cf. {Dependant}.]
1. Hanging down; as, a dependent bough or leaf.
2. Relying on, or subject to, something else for support; not
   able to exist, or sustain itself, or to perform anything,
   without the will, power, or aid of something else; not
   self-sustaining; contingent or conditioned; subordinate;
   -- often with on or upon; as, dependent on God; dependent
   upon friends.
         England, long dependent and degraded, was again a
         power of the first rank.              --Macaulay.
{Dependent covenant} or {contract} (Law), one not binding
   until some connecting stipulation is performed.
{Dependent variable} (Math.), a varying quantity whose
   changes are arbitrary, but are regarded as produced by
   changes in another variable, which is called the
   independent variable.

\De*pend"ent\, n.
1. One who depends; one who is sustained by another, or who
   relies on another for support of favor; a hanger-on; a
   retainer; as, a numerous train of dependents.
         A host of dependents on the court, suborned to play
         their part as witnesses.              --Hallam.
2. That which depends; corollary; consequence.
         With all its circumstances and dependents. --Prynne.
Note: See the Note under {Dependant}.