admĭnĭcŭlum, i, n. [ad-manus], prop., 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.