Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PAR'TY, n. [Fr. partie, from L. pars. See Part.]

1. A number of persons united in opinion or design, in opposition to others in the community. It differs from faction, in implying a less dishonorable association, or more justifiable designs. Parties exist in all governments; and free governments are the hot-beds of party. Formerly, the political parties in England were called whigs and tories.
2. One of two litigants; the plaintif or defendant in a lawsuit. The cause of both parties shall come before the judges. – Exod. xxii.
3. One concerned or interested in an affair. This man was not a party to the trespass or affray. He is not a party to the contract or agreement.
4. Side; persons engaged against each other. The peace both parties want, is like to last. – Dryden. Small parties make up in diligence what they want in numbers. – Johnson.
5. Cause; side. Ægle came in to make their party good. – Dryden.
6. A select company invited to an entertainment; as, a dining party, a tea party, an evening party.
7. A single person distinct from or opposed to another. If the jury found that the party slain was of English race, it had been adjudged felony. – Davies.
8. In military affairs, a detachment or small number of troops sent on a particular duty, as to intercept the enemy's convoy, to reconnoiter, to seek forage, to flank the enemy, &c. Party is used to qualify other words and may be considered either as part of a compound word, or as an adjective; as, party man, party rage, party disputes, &c.