/euh kwayn"tns/ , n.
1. a person known to one, but usually not a close friend.
2. the state of being acquainted.
3. personal knowledge as a result of study, experience, etc.: a good acquaintance with French wines.
4. ( used with a pl. v. ) the persons with whom one is acquainted.
Also, acquaintanceship (for defs. 2, 3).
[ 1250-1300; ME aqueinta ( u ) nce, acoyntaunce acointance. See ACQUAINT, -ANCE ]
Syn. 1. ACQUAINTANCE, ASSOCIATE, COMPANION, FRIEND refer to a person with whom one is in contact. An ACQUAINTANCE is someone recognized by sight or someone known, though not intimately: a casual acquaintance. An ASSOCIATE is a person who is often in one's company, usually because of some work, enterprise, or pursuit in common: a business associate. A COMPANION is a person who shares one's activities, fate, or condition: a traveling companion; companion in despair. A FRIEND is a person with whom one is on intimate terms and for whom one feels a warm affection: a trusted friend. 3. familiarity, awareness.