ˌkȯ(r)pəˈrāshən noun
( -s )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English, from Medieval Latin corporation-, corporatio, from Latin corporatus + -ion-, -io -ion
1. : a body of persons associated for some purpose (as standardization of conditions): as
a. obsolete : a group of merchants or traders united in an association : a trade guild
b. : the body of municipal authorities of a town or city
the Corporation of the City of London
2. Roman & civil law
a. : a group of persons or objects treated by the law as an individual or unity having rights or liabilities distinct from those of the persons or objects composing it : university — called also body corporate
b. : a single person or object treated by the law as having a legal individuality or entity other than that of a natural person : artificial person
3. or corporation aggregate English & US common & statute law : a body formed and authorized by law to act as a single person and endowed by law with the capacity of succession : an entity recognized by law as constituted by one or more persons and as having various rights and duties together with the capacity of succession
a corporation is an artificial being, invisible, intangible, and existing only in contemplation of law — John Marshall
— see company 3, ecclesiastical corporation , municipal corporation , private corporation , public corporation , public service corporation, quasi corporation
4. : the area governed by a municipal corporation
within the corporation limits of Chicago
5. : an association of employers and employees in a basic industry or of members of a profession organized as an organ of political representation in a corporative state and responsible for supervision and control of production, wages, working conditions, and all matters pertaining to that industry or profession — see corporatism
6. : a fat or protuberant belly : potbelly