Company /(kŭm"pȧ*ny̆)/

pl. Companies ((kŭm"pȧ*nĭz))

1. The state of being a companion or companions; the act of accompanying; fellowship; companionship; society; friendly intercourse.

   Evil company doth corrupt good manners.

   Brethren, farewell: your company along I will not wish.

2. A companion or companions.

   To thee and thy company I bid A hearty welcome.

3. An assemblage or association of persons, either permanent or transient.

   Thou shalt meet a company of prophets.

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.

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. A subdivision of a regiment of troops under the command of a captain, numbering in the United States (full strength) 100 men. (Mil.)
9. The crew of a ship, including the officers; as, a whole ship's company. (Naut.)
10. The body of actors employed in a theater or in the production of a play.

imp. & p. p. Companied; p. pr. & vb. n. Companying

1. To accompany or go with; to be companion to. [Obs.]

1. To associate.

   Men which have companied with us all the time.

2. To be a gay companion. [Obs.]
3. To have sexual commerce. [Obs.]