Emily Dickinson Lexicon

COM'PA-NY, n. [It. compagnia; Sp. compañia; Port. companhia; Fr. compagnie; not from cum and panis, bread, a mess or number of men eating together, as is commonly supposed; but from cum and pannus, cloth, Teutonic fahne or vaan, a flag. The word denotes a band or number of men under one flag or standard. What decides this question is, the Spanish mode of writing the word with n tildè, titled n, compañia, for this is the manner of writing paño, cloth; whereas panis, bread, is written pan. The orthography of the word in the other languages is confirmatory of this opinion.]

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; as, we can not enjoy the company of licentious men. I will keep thee company. – Dryden.
6. A number of persons united 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. – Pope. To keep company, to accompany; to attend; also, to associate with frequently or habitually; hence, to frequent public houses. – Prov. xxix.