1. n. & v.
--n. (pl. -ies)
1. a social gathering, usu. of invited guests.
2 a body of persons engaged in an activity or travelling together (fishing party; search party).
3 a group of people united in a cause, opinion, etc., esp. a political group organized on a national basis.
4 a person or persons forming one side in an agreement or dispute.
5 (foll. by to) Law an accessory (to an action).
6 colloq. a person.
--v.tr. & intr. (-ies, -ied) entertain at or attend a party.
Phrases and idioms:
party line
1. the policy adopted by a political party.
2 a telephone line shared by two or more subscribers. party-wall a wall common to two adjoining buildings or rooms.
Etymology: ME f. OF partie ult. f. L partire: see PART 2. adj. Heraldry divided into parts of different colours.
Etymology: ME f. OF parti f. L (as PARTY(1))