Company

Company Com"pa*ny (k[u^]m"p[.a]*n[y^]), n.; pl. {Companies} (k[u^]m"p[.a]*n[i^]z). [F. compagnie, fr. OF. compaing. See {Companion}.] 1. The state of being a companion or companions; the act of accompanying; fellowship; companionship; society; friendly intercourse. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

Evil company doth corrupt good manners. --1 Cor. xv. 33. (Rev. Ver.). [1913 Webster]

Brethren, farewell: your company along I will not wish. --Milton. [1913 Webster]

2. A companion or companions. [1913 Webster]

To thee and thy company I bid A hearty welcome. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

3. An assemblage or association of persons, either permanent or transient. [1913 Webster]

Thou shalt meet a company of prophets. --1 Sam. x. 5. [1913 Webster]

4. Guests or visitors, in distinction from the members of a family; as, to invite company to dine. [1913 Webster]

5. Society, in general; people assembled for social intercourse. [1913 Webster]

Nature has left every man a capacity of being agreeable, though not of shining in company. --Swift. [1913 Webster]

6. An association of persons for the purpose of carrying on some enterprise or business; a corporation; a firm; as, the East India Company; an insurance company; a joint-stock company. [1913 Webster]

7. Partners in a firm whose names are not mentioned in its style or title; -- often abbreviated in writing; as, Hottinguer & Co. [1913 Webster]

8. (Mil.) A subdivision of a regiment of troops under the command of a captain, numbering in the United States (full strength) 100 men. [1913 Webster]

9. (Naut.) The crew of a ship, including the officers; as, a whole ship's company. [1913 Webster]

10. The body of actors employed in a theater or in the production of a play. [1913 Webster]

{To keep company with}. See under {Keep}, v. t.

Syn: Assemblage; assembly; society; group; circle; crowd; troop; crew; gang; corporation; association; fraternity; guild; partnership; copartnery; union; club; party; gathering. [1913 Webster]