Ascendant

As·cend·ant

Ascendant

n.
  1. Ascent; height; elevation. [R.]
    Sciences that were then in their highest ascendant.
    — Temple.
  2. 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. (Astrol.)
  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.

Ascendant

a.
  1. Rising toward the zenith; above the horizon.
    The constellation . . . about that time ascendant.
    — Browne.
  2. Rising; ascending.
  3. Superior; surpassing; ruling.
    An ascendant spirit over him.
    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.