Question

which piece of text uses this meaning of accessory?

accessory noun an item used to enhance beauty or usefulness

mary surratt operated a boardinghouse in washington, d.c., where
authorities believed john wilkes booth planned his assassination of president
abraham lincoln. surratt was tried as an accessory to the conspiracy in 1865.

that green paisley print silk scarf must be ms. mcdowells favorite accessory,
because she wears it almost every day.

Explanation:

To determine which text uses "accessory" as "an item used to enhance beauty or usefulness", we analyze both options:

• The first text uses "accessory" in a legal context (accessory to a conspiracy), meaning a person who assists in a crime, not an item.
• The second text refers to a silk scarf as an "accessory", and a scarf is an item that can enhance beauty or usefulness (e.g., for style or warmth), matching the given definition.

Answer:

The second text: "That green paisley print silk scarf must be Ms. McDowell's favorite accessory, because she wears it almost every day."