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com·pany (kumpə nē)

noun pl. companies -·nies

  1. companionship; society: to enjoy another's company
  2. a group of people; specif.,
    1. a group gathered for social purposes
    2. a group associated for some purpose, as to form a commercial or industrial firm: a theatrical company, a manufacturing company
  3. a trade guild in the Middle Ages
  4. the partners whose names are not given in the title of a firm: John Smith and Company
  5. a guest or guests; visitor or visitors
  6. a habitual associate or associates: people are judged by the company they keep
  7. Mil. a body of troops; specif., the lowest administrative unit, as of infantry, normally composed of two or more platoons and a headquarters
  8. all of a ship's personnel, including the officers

Origin: ME & OFr compaignie < VL compania, lit., group sharing bread: see companion

transitive verb companied -·nied, companying -·ny·ing

Archaic to accompany

intransitive verb

Archaic to associate (with)

com·pa·ny (kŭmˈpə-nē)

noun pl. companies com·pa·nies
  1. A group of persons. See Synonyms at band2.
  2. a. One's companions or associates: moved in fast company; is known by the company she keeps.
    b. A guest or guests: had company for the weekend.
    c. The state of friendly companionship; fellowship: was grateful for her company; friends who finally parted company.
  3. a. A business enterprise; a firm.
    b. A partner or partners not specifically named in a firm's title: Lee Rogers and Company.
  4. A troupe of dramatic or musical performers: a repertory company.
  5. a. A subdivision of a military regiment or battalion that constitutes the lowest administrative unit. It is usually under the command of a captain and is made up of at least two platoons.
    b. A unit of firefighters.
  6. A ship's crew and officers. See Usage Note at collective noun.
transitive verb companied com·pa·nied, companying com·pa·ny·ing, companies com·pa·nies
To accompany or associate with.

Origin: Middle English compainie, from Old French compaignie, from Vulgar Latin *compānia, from *compāniō, companion; see companion 1.