COMPANION

n. Naut. 1 a raised frame on a quarterdeck used for lighting the cabins etc. below. 2 = companion-way. øcompanion-hatch a wooden covering over a companion-way. companion hatchway an opening in a deck leading to a cabin. companion ladder a ladder from a deck to a cabin. companion-way a staircase to a cabin. [obs. Du. kompanje quarterdeck f. OF compagne f. It. (camera della) compagna pantry, prob. ult. rel. to COMPANION(1)]