I.that on which the hand may rest, then in gen., a prop, stay, support.
I. Lit.
A. Orig. in the language of vine-dressers, the stake or pole to which the vine clings, and by which it is supported: “vites claviculis adminicula, tamquam manibus apprehendunt, atque ita se erigunt, ut animantes,” Cic. N. D. 2, 47: “adminiculorum ordines, capitum jugatio,” id. Sen. 15; so Plin. 17, 24, 36, § 215; cf. Drak. Liv. 6, 1, 4.— Hence,
B. In gen., of any prop, stay, or support, assistance: adminicula hominum, i. e. oxen, implements of agriculture, etc., Varr. R. R. 1, 17; Liv. 21, 36: “motam (Junonem) sede sua parvi molimenti adminiculis,” id. 5, 22: “adminicula gubernandi addidit Tiphys,” means of steering, the rudder, Plin. 7, 56, 57, § 209; cf. id. 11, 37, 61, § 162. —
II. Trop., support, aid, auxiliary, assistant (class.): “ad legionem cum itant, adminiculum eis danunt aliquem cognatum,” an assistant, Plaut. Most. 1, 2, 48: “hanc igitur partem relictam explebimus, nullis adminiculis, sed, ut dicitur, Marte nostro,” Cic. Off. 3, 7: “natura solitarium nihil amat, semperque ad aliquod tamquam adminiculum adnititur,” id. Lael. 23 fin.: “quo primo adminiculo erecta erat (urbs), eodem innisa M. Furio principe stetit,” Liv. 6, 1: “id senectuti suae adminiculum fore,” id. 10, 22: “egere adminiculis, ut in commune consulat,” Tac. A. 12, 5; so, “in militia aut via fessus adminiculum oro,” id. ib. 14, 54: “nullius externi indigens adminiculi,” Amm. 24, 8; 21, 12; 14, 6: “Quibus debetis esse adminiculo,” Vulg. Esth. 16, 20.
