I. ˈkəmp(ə)nē, -ni noun
( -es )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English companie, from Old French compagnie, from compain companion (from Late Latin companio ) + -ie -y — more at companion
1.
a. : the quality or state of being a companion or associate of another : association especially on terms of intimacy : companionship
enjoy a person's company
with only her thoughts for company — Polly Adler
in company with others
b. : persons affording companionship : associates
know a person by the company he keeps
c. : visitors especially to one's house : guests
invite company for dinner
2.
a. : an assemblage or association of persons or things : band , retinue
a great company of priests and monks
a company of ships
the company of sovereign nations
the whole company of thinkers who have written philosophy — W.L.Sullivan
b. : a body of soldiers: as
(1) : a tactical and administrative unit (as of infantry) consisting usually of a headquarters and two or more platoons — compare battery , troop
(2) : a unit that is normally a fifth part of a battle group
c. : a band of musical or dramatic performers ; especially : an organization of actors and singers producing dramatic or operatic compositions — compare stock company
d. : the officers and men of a ship — usually used in the phrase ship's company
e. : a fire-fighting unit of men and apparatus often designed for a special duty
hose company
ladder company
f. chiefly Britain : a group or flock of widgeon
g. : a local congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses
h. : a unit of girl guides under the leadership of a captain
3.
a. : a chartered commercial organization (as of merchant adventurers) or a trade guild during the medieval period
b. : an association of persons for carrying on a commercial or industrial enterprise or business (as a partnership or stock company) — see private company
c. : those members of a partnership firm whose names do not appear in the firm name
J.J.Smith and Company
— sometimes used of the remaining members of a group represented by one or more named individuals
Caesar, Napoleon, and company
II. verb
( -ed/-ing/-es )
Etymology: Middle English companien, from Middle French compagnier, from Old French, from compain companion (from Late Latin companio ) — more at companion
transitive verb
: to accompany or go with : companion
may … fair winds company your safe return — John Masefield
intransitive verb
1. : to keep company : associate on terms of intimacy
those who companied with our Lord in the days of his flesh — J.C.Swaim
2. obsolete : cohabit