commune 1
— communer , n.
v. /keuh myoohn"/ ; n. /kom"yoohn/ , v. , communed, communing , n.
v.i.
1. to converse or talk together, usually with profound intensity, intimacy, etc.; interchange thoughts or feelings.
2. to be in intimate communication or rapport: to commune with nature.
n.
3. interchange of ideas or sentiments.
[ 1250-1300; ME com ( m ) unen comuner to share, deriv. of comun COMMON ]
commune 2
/keuh myoohn"/ , v.i. , communed, communing .
to partake of the Eucharist.
[ 1275-1325; ME; back formation from COMMUNION ]
commune 3
/kom"yoohn/ , n.
1. a small group of persons living together, sharing possessions, work, income, etc., and often pursuing unconventional lifestyles.
2. a close-knit community of people who share common interests.
3. the smallest administrative division in France, Italy, Switzerland, etc., governed by a mayor assisted by a municipal council.
4. a similar division in some other country.
5. any community organized for the protection and promotion of local interests, and subordinate to the state.
6. the government or citizens of a commune.
7. See people's commune .
8. the Commune . Also called Commune of Paris, Paris Commune .
a. a revolutionary committee that took the place of the municipality of Paris in the revolution of 1789, usurped the authority of the state, and was suppressed by the National Convention in 1794.
b. a socialistic government of Paris from March 18 to May 27, 1871.
[ 1785-95; communa (fem.), alter. of L commune community, state, orig. neut. of communis COMMON ]