n. & v.
n. 1 a person who shares or takes part with another or others, esp. in a business firm with shared risks and profits. 2 a companion in dancing. 3 a player (esp. one of two) on the same side in a game. 4 either member of a married couple, or of an unmarried couple living together.
v.tr. 1 be the partner of. 2 associate as partners. partnerless adj.
[ ME, alt. of parcener joint heir, after PART ]