ˈkʌmpənɪ n. & v. --n. (pl. -ies) 1 a a
number of
people assembled; a
crowd; an
audience (addressed
the company). b guests or a
guest (am expecting company). 2 a
state of
being a companion or
fellow;
companionship,
esp. of a
specific kind (enjoys low company; do
not care for his company). 3 a a
commercial business. b (usu. Co.) the
partner or partners not named in the
title of a firm (Smith
and Co.). 4 a
troupe of actors or entertainers. 5
Mil. a
subdivision of an
infantry battalion usu. commanded by a
major or a
captain. 6 a
group of Guides. --v. (-ies, -ied) 1 tr.
archaic accompany. 2 intr.
literary (often foll. by with) be a companion. øcompany
officer a captain or a lower commissioned officer. company Sergeant-major see
SERGEANT.
err (or be) in
good company
discover that one's companions, or better people,
have done the
same as
oneself. good (or bad) company 1 a
pleasant (or dull) companion. 2 a
suitable (or unsuitable)
associate or group of friends. in company not
alone. in company
with together with.
keep company (often foll. by with) associate habitually. keep (archaic bear) a
person company accompany a person; be
sociable.
part company (often foll. by with)
cease to associate. ship's company the
entire crew. [ME f. AF compainie, OF compai(g)nie f. Rmc (as COMPANION(1))]
