company n.
(plural companies)
1. a number of people assembled. b guest(s).
2. person's associate(s).
3. a commercial business. b partners in this.
4. actors etc. working together.
5. subdivision of an infantry battalion.
6. body of people combined for a common purpose (the ship's company).
7. being with another or others. In company with together with. keep a person company remain with a person to be sociable. part company (often foll. by with) cease to associate; separate; disagree.
Derived from French, related to companion