Part 391

The companions of his fall. Milton.

The companion of fools shall smart for it. Prov. xiii. 20 (Rev. Ver.).

Here are your sons again; and I must lose Two of the sweetest companions in the world. Shak.

A companion is one with whom we share our bread; a messmate. Trench.

2. A knight of the lowest rank in certain orders; as, a companion of the Bath.

3. A fellow; -- in contempt. [Obs.] Shak.

4. [Cf. OSp. compa˝a an outhouse, office.] (Naut.) (a) A skylight on an upper deck with frames and sashes of various shapes, to admit light to a cabin or lower deck. (b) A wooden hood or penthouse covering the companion way; a companion hatch.

Companion hatch (Naut.), a wooden porch over the entrance or staircase of the cabin. -- Companion ladder (Naut.), the ladder by which officers ascend to, or descend from, the quarter- deck. Totten. -- Companion way (Naut.), a staircase leading to the cabin. -- Knights companions, in certain honorary orders, the members of the lowest grades as distinguished from knights commanders, knights grand cross, and the like.

Syn. -- Associate; comrade; mate; compeer; partner; ally; confederate; coadjutor; accomplice.

Com*pan"ion, v. t. 1. To be a companion to; to attend on; to accompany. [R.] Ruskin.

2. To qualify as a companion; to make equal. [Obs.]

Companion me with my mistress. Shak.

Com*pan"ion*a*ble (?), a. Fitted to be a companion; fit for good fellowship; agreeable; sociable. "Each companionable guest." Mallett. "Companionable wit." Clarendon.

-- Com*pan"ion*a*ble*ness, n. -- Com*pan"ion*a*bly, adv.

Com*pan"ion*less, a. Without a companion.

Com*pan"ion*ship, n. Fellowship; association; the act or fact of keeping company with any one. Shak.

He never seemed to avail himself of my sympathy other than by mere companionship. W. Irving

Com"pa*ny (kŭm"p&adot;*n&ybreve;), n.; pl. Companies (- n&ibreve;z). [F. compagnie, fr. OF. compaing. See Companion.] 1. The state of being a companion or companions; the act of accompanying; fellowship; companionship; society; friendly intercourse. Shak.

Evil company doth corrupt good manners. 1 Cor. xv. 33. (Rev. Ver.).

Brethren, farewell: your company along I will not wish. Milton.

2. A companion or companions.

To thee and thy company I bid A hearty welcome. Shak.

3. An assemblage or association of persons, either permanent or transient.

Thou shalt meet a company of prophets. 1 Sam. x. 5.

4. Guests or visitors, in distinction from the members of a family; as, to invite company to dine.

5. Society, in general; people assembled for social intercourse.

Nature has left every man a capacity of being agreeable, though not of shining in company. Swift.

6. An association of persons for the purpose of carrying on some enterprise or business; a corporation; a firm; as, the East India Company; an insurance company; a joint-stock company.