[col.lege] n, often attrib [ME, fr. MF, fr. L collegium society, fr. collega colleague--more at colleague] (14c) 1: a body of clergy living together and supported by a foundation
2: a building used for an educational or religious purpose 3 a: a self-governing constituent body of a university offering living quarters and instruction but not granting degrees "Balliol and Magdalen Colleges at Oxford" b: a preparatory or high school c: an independent institution of higher learning offering a course of general studies leading to a bachelor's degree d: a part of a university offering a specialized group of courses e: an institution offering instruction usu. in a professional, vocational, or technical field "business ~"
4: company, group; specif: an organized body of persons engaged in a common pursuit or having common interests or duties
5. a: a group of persons considered by law to be a unit b: a body of electors--compare electoral college
6: the faculty, students, or administration of a college