Com″pa‐ny (kŭm″pȧ‐ny̆), n.; pl.Companies (–nĭz). [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.
Evil company doth corrupt good manners.
1 Cor. xv. 33. (Rev. Ver.).
Brethren, farewell: your company along
I will not wish.
Milton.
2. A companion or companions.
To thee and thy company I bid
A hearty welcome.
Shak.
3. An assemblage or association of persons, either permanent or transient.
Thou shalt meet a company of prophets.
1 Sam. x. 5.
4. Guests or visitors, in distinction from the members of a family; as, to invite company to dine.
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. 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. Partners in a firm whose names are not mentioned in its style or title; — often abbreviated in writing; as, Hottinguer & Co.
8. (Mil.) A subdivision of a regiment of troops under the command of a captain, numbering in the United States (full strength) 100 men.
9. (Naut.) The crew of a ship, including the officers; as, a whole ship's company.
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.
Syn. — Assemblage; assembly; society; group; circle; crowd; troop; crew; gang; corporation; association; fraternity; guild; partnership; copartnery; union; club; party; gathering.