1. Closely connected or joined with some another, as in interest, purpose, employment, or office; sharing responsibility or authority; as, an
associate judge. "While I
descend . . . To my
associate powers." (Milton)
2. Admitted to some,
but not to all, rights and privileges; as, an
associate member.
3.
Connected by habit or sympathy; as, associate motions, such as occur sympathetically, in consequence of preceding motions.
Origin: L. Associatus, p. P.
Source: Websters Vocabulary