01 n. A part or portion.
pl.
Parties ((pär"tĭz))
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1.
A part or portion.[Obs.]
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2.
A number of persons united in opinion or action, as distinguished from, or opposed to, the rest of a community or association; esp., one of the parts into which a people is divided on questions of public policy.“Win the noble Brutus to our party.” — Shak.“The peace both parties want is like to last.” — Dryden.
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3.
A part of a larger body of company; a detachment;(Mil.)
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4.
A number of persons invited to a social entertainment; a select company; as, a dinner party; also, the entertainment itself; as, to give a party.
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5.
One concerned or interested in an affair; one who takes part with others; a participator; as, he was a party to the plot; a party to the contract.
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6.
The plaintiff or the defendant in a lawsuit, whether an individual, a firm, or corporation; a litigant.“The cause of both parties shall come before the judges.” — Ex. xxii. 9.
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7.
Hence, any certain person who is regarded as being opposed or antagonistic to another.“If the jury found that the party slain was of English race, it had been adjudged felony.” — Sir J. Davies.
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8.
Cause; side; interest.“Have you nothing said Upon this Party 'gainst the Duke of Albany?” — Shak.
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9.
A person; as, he is a queer party.[Now accounted a vulgarism.]
Phrases & compounds
Party jury —
a jury composed of different parties, as one which is half natives and half foreigners.
Party man —
a partisan.
Party spirit —
a factious and unreasonable temper, not uncommonly shown by party men.
Party verdict —
a joint verdict.
Party wall —
A wall built upon the dividing line between two adjoining properties, usually having half its thickness on each property