The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Assist \As*sist"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Assisted; p. pr. & vb.
   n. Assisting.] [L. assistere; ad + sistere to cause to
   stand, to stand, from stare to stand: cf. F. assister. See
   Stand.]
   To give support to in some undertaking or effort, or in time
   of distress; to help; to aid; to succor.
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         Assist me, knight. I am undone!          --Shak.
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   Syn: To help; aid; second; back; support; relieve; succor;
        befriend; sustain; favor. See Help.
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