Meaning

• Help; assistance; succor, relief.

  "He came to my aid when I was foundering."

• A helper; an assistant.

• Something which helps; a material source of help.

  "Slimming aids include dietary supplements and appetite suppressants."

• An historical subsidy granted to the crown by Parliament for an extraordinary purpose, such as a war effort.

• An exchequer loan.

• A pecuniary tribute paid by a vassal to his feudal lord on special occasions.

• An aide-de-camp, so called by abbreviation.

  "The incompetent general's brilliant aid often made priceless suggestions."