COMPANY

Definitions

1. 1. The state of being a companion or companions; the act of accompaying; fellowship; companionship; society; friendly intercourse. Shak. Evil company doth corrupt good manners. 1 Cor. xv. 33. (Rev. Ver. ). Brethren, farewell: your company along I will not wish. Milton.
2. 2. A companion or companions. To thee and thy company I bid A hearty welcome. Shak.
3. 3. An assemblage or association of persons, either permanent or transient. Thou shalt meet a company of prophets. 1 Sam. x. 5.
4. 4. Guests or visitors, in distinction from the members of a family; as, to invite company to dine.
5. 5. Society, in general; people assembled for social intercourse. Nature has left every man a capacity of being agreeable, though not of shining in company. Swift.
6. 6. An association of persons for the purpose of carrying on some enterprise or business; a corporation; a firm; as, the East India Company; an insurance company; a joint-stock company.
7. 7. Partners in a firm whose names are not mentioned in its style or title; -- often abbreviated in writing; as, Hottinguer & Co.
8. 8. A subdivision of a regiment of troops under the command of a captain, numbering in the United States (full strength) 100 men.
9. 9. The crew of a ship, including the officers; as, a whole ship's company.
10. 10. The body of actors employed in a theater or in the production of a play. To keep company with. See under Keep, v. t.