company

COMPANY, n.

1. In military affairs, the soldiers united under the command of a captain; a subdivision of a regiment, consisting usually of a number from 60 to 100 men. But the number is indefinite.

2. Any assemblage of persons; a collection of men, or other animals, in a very indefinite sense. It may be applied to a small number, or any multitude whatever; as in scripture we read of a company of priests, a company of prophets, and an innumerable company of angels; also, a company of horses.

3. An assemblage of persons for entertainment or festivity; a party collected by invitation or otherwise.

4. Persons that associate with others for conversation or pleasure; society; as, let your children keep good company.

5. The state of being a companion; the act of accompanying; fellowship; society.

I will keep thee company.

We cannot enjoy the company of licentious men.

6. A number of persons untied for the same purpose, or in a joint concern; as a company of merchants or mechanics; a company of players. The word is applicable to private partnerships or to incorporated bodies of men. Hence it may signify a firm, house or partnership; or a corporation, as the East India Company, a banking or insurance company.

7. The crew of a ship, including the officers; also, a fleet.

To bear company, to accompany; to attend; to go with; denoting a temporary association.

His faithful dog shall bear him company.

To keep company, to accompany; to attend; also, to associate with frequently or habitually; hence, to frequent public houses. Prov. 29.

COMPANY, v.t. To accompany; to attend; to go with; to be companion to.

COMPANY, v.i.

1. To associate with; to frequent the company of.

I wrote you not to company with fornicators. 1 Cor. 5.

2. To be a gay companion.

3. To have commerce with the other sex.