Definition of Accessory Contract

In the civil law. A contract which is incident or auxiliary to another or principal contract; such as the engagement of a surety. Poth Obi. pt. 1, c. 1, § 1, art 2. A principal contract ls one entered into by both parties on their own accounts, or in the several qualities they assume. An accessory contract is made for assuring the performance of a prior contract, either by the same parties or by others; such as suretyship, mortgage, and pledge. Civll Code Ln. art. 1771.