P`ARTY, n. [L. pars. See Part.]

1. A number of persons united in opinion or design, in opposition to others in the community. It differs from faction, in implying a less dishonorable association, or more justifiable designs. Parties exist in all governments; and free governments are the hot-beds of party. Formerly, the political parties in England were called whigs and tories.
2. One of two litigants; the plaintif or defendant in a lawsuit. The cause of both parties shall come before the judges. – Exod. xxii.
3. One concerned or interested in an affair. This man was not a party to the trespass or affray. He is not a party to the contract or agreement.
4. Side; persons engaged against each other. The peace both parties want, is like to last. – Dryden. Small parties make up in diligence what they want in numbers. – Johnson.
5. Cause; side. Ægle came in to make their party good. – Dryden.
6. A select company invited to an entertainment; as, a dining party, a tea party, an evening party.
7. A single person distinct from or opposed to another. If the jury found that the party slain was of English race, it had been adjudged felony. – Davies.
8. In military affairs, a detachment or small number of troops sent on a particular duty, as to intercept the enemy's convoy, to reconnoiter, to seek forage, to flank the enemy, &c. Party is used to qualify other words and may be considered either as part of a compound word, or as an adjective; as, party man, party rage, party disputes, &c.

1. A part or portion.
   
   
   [Obs.] "The most party of the time." Chaucer.
2. Parted or divided, as in the direction or form of one of the ordinaries; as, an escutcheon party per pale.
3. Partly.
   
   
   [Obs.] Chaucer.
4. A number of persons united in opinion or action, as distinguished from, or opposed to, the rest of a community or association; esp., one of the parts into which a people is divided on questions of public policy.
   
   

   Win the noble Brutus to our party. Shak.

   The peace both parties want is like to last. Dryden.

5. Partial; favoring one party.
   
   

   I will be true judge, and not party. Chaucer.

   Charter party. See under Charter.

6. A part of a larger body of company; a detachment; especially (Mil.), a small body of troops dispatched on special service.
7. A number of persons invited to a social entertainment; a select company; as, a dinner party; also, the entertainment itself; as, to give a party.
8. One concerned or interested in an affair; one who takes part with others; a participator; as, he was a party to the plot; a party to the contract.
9. The plaintiff or the defendant in a lawsuit, whether an individual, a firm, or corporation; a litigant.
   
   

   The cause of both parties shall come before the judges. Ex. xxii. 9.

10. Hence, any certain person who is regarded as being opposed or antagonistic to another.
    
    

    It the jury found that the party slain was of English race, it had been adjudged felony. Sir J. Davies.

11. Cause; side; interest.
    
    

    Have you nothing said
    Upon this Party 'gainst the Duke of Albany? Shak.

12. A person; as, he is a queer party.
    
    
    [Now accounted a vulgarism.]

    "For several generations, our ancestors largely employed party for person; but this use of the word, when it appeared to be reviving, happened to strike, more particularly, the fancy of the vulgar; and the consequence has been, that the polite have chosen to leave it in their undisputed possession." Fitzed. Hall.

    Party jury (Law), a jury composed of different parties, as one which is half natives and half foreigners. -- Party man, a partisan. Swift. -- Party spirit, a factious and unreasonable temper, not uncommonly shown by party men. Whately. -- Party verdict, a joint verdict. Shak. -- Party wall. (a) (Arch.) A wall built upon the dividing line between two adjoining properties, usually having half its thickness on each property. (b) (Law) A wall that separates adjoining houses, as in a block or row.