Meaning
1. In military affairs, the soldiers united under the command of a captain; a subdivision of a regiment, consisting usually of a number from 60 to 100 men. but the number is indefinite.
2. Any assemblage of persons; a collection of men, or other animals, in a very indefinite sense. It may be applied to a small number, or any multitude whatever; as in scripture we read of a company of priests, a company of prophets, and an innumerable company of angels; also, a company of horses.
3. An assemblage of persons for entertainment or festivity; a party collected by invitation or otherwise.
4. Persons that associate with others for conversation or pleasure; society; as, let your children keep good company.
5. The state of being a companion; the act of accompanying; fellowship; society.
I will keep thee company.
We cannot enjoy the company of licentious men.
6. A number of persons untied for the same purpose, or in a joint concern; as a company of merchants or mechanics; a company of players. The word is applicable to private partnerships or to incorporated bodies of men. Hence it may signify a firm, house or partnership; or a corporation, as the East India Company, a banking or insurance company.
7. The crew of a ship, including the officers; also, a fleet.
To bear company, to accompany; to attend; to go with; denoting a temporary association.
His faithful dog shall bear him company.
To keep company, to accompany; to attend; also, to associate with frequently or habitually; hence, to frequent public houses. Prov 29.
COMPANY, v.t. To accompany; to attend; to go with; to be companion to.
COMPANY, v.i.
1. To associate with; to frequent the company of.
I wrote you not to company with fornicators. 1 Cor 5.
2. To be a gay companion.
3. To have commerce with the other sex.
