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

Syn. -- Assemblage; assembly; society; group; circle; crowd; troop; crew; gang; corporation; association; fraternity; guild; partnership; copartnery; union; club; party; gathering.
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Company, v. i. 1. To associate.
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Men which have companied with us all the time. Acts i. 21.
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2. To be a gay companion. [Obs.] Spenser.
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3. To have sexual commerce. [Obs.] Bp. Hall.
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