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a subordinate or supplementary part, object, or the like, used mainly for convenience, attractiveness, safety, etc., as a spotlight on an automobile or a lens cover on a camera.
an article or set of articles of dress, as gloves, earrings, or a scarf, that adds completeness, convenience, attractiveness, etc., to one’s basic outfit.
Law.

Also called accessory before the fact. a person who, though not present during the commission of a felony, is guilty of having aided and abetted another, who committed the felony.
Also called accessory after the fact. a person who knowingly conceals or assists another who has committed a felony.
Compare (def 9b).

Anatomy, .
contributing to a general effect; supplementary; subsidiary.
Law. giving aid as an accessory.
Petrography. (of a mineral) being present in small amounts in a rock and having no bearing on the classification of the rock, as zircon in granite.
Contemporary Examples

Sharapova’s line, which consistis of T-shirts, bags, and accessories,”will keep the fun, bubbly, and sweet vibe going strong.”
Cara Delevingne’s Face Gets Made Into a Cake; Harper’s Bazaar U.K. to Launch Online Exhibit Featuring Model Self-Portraits The Fashion Beast Team August 22, 2013

The line will accompany an already existing collection of apparel and accessories by Authentic Brands Group.
Reebok Urged to Drop Rick Ross; Zara Labor Practices Under Fire; Marilyn Monroe–Inspired Footwear Line Announced The Fashion Beast Team April 4, 2013

And the accessories were relaunched with a single, elegant tote called the Cabat.
Subtle Sophistication: Bottega Veneta’s Tomas Maier Robin Givhan October 22, 2012

Beyond the dress, Beyoncé’s hair, makeup, and accessories coordinate perfectly.
Riccardo Tisci Styled a Car Wreck for CR Fashion Book; Beyoncé Reveals Stylish Prom Picture The Fashion Beast Team October 1, 2013

A native New Yorker, Tasha previously worked as an accessories designer.
A Hip Haven in Berlin Molly Hannon September 19, 2011

Historical Examples

Even on the mind of Phillida, as she now listened to Mrs. Frankland, the accessories made a difference.
The Faith Doctor Edward Eggleston

The furniture and accessories of the altar in pre-Reformation times were numerous.
English Villages P. H. Ditchfield

With all the accessories of these places of entertainment his son had grown to be excessively familiar.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 8, Slice 4 Various

Its accessories for the time being were even more than ordinarily unimpressive.
The Market-Place Harold Frederic

The accessories of painting, sculpture and movable scenery were employed, and the representation often took place at night.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 7, Slice 9 Various

noun (pl) -ries
a supplementary part or object, as of a car, appliance, etc
(often pl) a small accompanying item of dress, esp of women’s dress
a person who incites someone to commit a crime or assists the perpetrator of a crime, either before or during its commission
adjective
supplementary; additional; subordinate
assisting in or having knowledge of an act, esp a crime
n.

also accessary, early 15c. as a legal term in the criminal sense of “one aiding in a crime;” also “that which is subordinate to something else,” from Late Latin accessorius, from accessor, agent noun from accedere (see access (n.)). Attested from 1896 as “woman’s smaller articles of dress,” hence accessorize.
adj.

1550s, “subordinate,” from Late Latin accessorius, from accessor, agent noun from accedere (see access (n.)). Meaning “aiding in crime” is from c.1600.

accessory ac·ces·so·ry (āk-sěs’ə-rē)
adj.

Having a secondary, supplementary, or subordinate function.

Of, relating to, or being a body part, such as a gland, nerve, or muscle, that is anatomically auxiliary.