ˈpɑ:tnə n. & v. --n. 1 a
person who shares or takes
part with another or others,
esp. in a
business firm with shared risks
and profits. 2 a companion in dancing. 3 a
player (esp.
one of two) on
the same side in a game. 4
either member of a
married couple, or of an
unmarried couple
living together. --v.tr. 1 be the partner
of. 2
associate as partners. øøpartnerless adj. [ME, alt. of parcener
joint heir,
after PART]