company

company [kum′pə nē]

n.

pl. companies [ME & OFr compaignie < VL compania, lit., group sharing bread: see COMPANION¹]

1. companionship; society [to enjoy another's company]

2. a group of people; specif.,

a) a group gathered for social purposes

b) a group associated for some purpose, as to form a commercial or industrial firm [a theatrical company, a manufacturing company]

3. a trade guild in the Middle Ages

4. the partners whose names are not given in the title of a firm [John Smith and Company]

5. a guest or guests; visitor or visitors

6. a habitual associate or associates [people are judged by the company they keep]

7. Mil. a body of troops; specif., the lowest administrative unit, as of infantry, normally composed of two or more platoons and a headquarters

8. all of a ship's personnel, including the officers: in full ship's company

vt.

companied, companying

Archaic to accompany

vi.

Archaic to associate ( with)

SYN.- TROOP

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keep company

1. to associate (with)

2. to go together; associate habitually: said esp. of a couple intending to marry

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keep a person company or keep company

to stay with (a person) so as to provide companionship

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part company

1. to stop associating (with)

2. to separate and go in different directions