D defs.my
Entry 14 senses · 3 variants Webster, 1913

Company

/(kŭm"pȧ*ny̆)/ · Com·pa·ny · IPA /ˈkʌmpəni/
01 n. The state of being a companion or companions; the act of accompanying; fellowship; companionship; society; friendly intercourse.
pl. Companies ((kŭm"pȧ*nĭz))
  1. 1.
    The state of being a companion or companions; the act of accompanying; fellowship; companionship; society; friendly intercourse.
    “Evil company doth corrupt good manners.” — 1 Cor. xv. 33. (Rev. Ver.).
    “Brethren, farewell: your company along I will not wish.” Milton.
  2. 2.
    A companion or companions.
    “To thee and thy company I bid A hearty welcome.” Shak.
  3. 3.
    An assemblage or association of persons, either permanent or transient.
    “Thou shalt meet a company of prophets.” — 1 Sam. x. 5.
  4. 4.
    Guests or visitors, in distinction from the members of a family; as, to invite company to dine.
  5. 5.
    Society, in general; people assembled for social intercourse.
    “Nature has left every man a capacity of being agreeable, though not of shining in company.” Swift.
  6. 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.
  7. 7.
    Partners in a firm whose names are not mentioned in its style or title; -- often abbreviated in writing; as, Hottinguer & Co.
  8. 8.
    A subdivision of a regiment of troops under the command of a captain, numbering in the United States (full strength) 100 men.(Mil.)
  9. 9.
    The crew of a ship, including the officers; as, a whole ship's company.(Naut.)
  10. 10.
    The body of actors employed in a theater or in the production of a play.
Phrases & compounds
To keep company with — See under Keep, v. t.
02 v. t. To accompany or go with; to be companion to.
imp. & p. p. Companied; p. pr. & vb. n. Companying
  1. 1.
    To accompany or go with; to be companion to.[Obs.]
03 v. i. To associate.
  1. 1.
    To associate.
    “Men which have companied with us all the time.” — Acts i. 21.
  2. 2.
    To be a gay companion.[Obs.]
  3. 3.
    To have sexual commerce.[Obs.]