01 n. One who accompanies or is in company with another for a longer or shorter period, either from choice or casually; one who is much in the co…
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1.
One who accompanies or is in company with another for a longer or shorter period, either from choice or casually; one who is much in the company of, or is associated with, another or others; an associate; a comrade; a consort; a partner.“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.
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2.
A knight of the lowest rank in certain orders; as, a companion of the Bath.
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3.
A fellow; -- in contempt.[Obs.]
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4.
A skylight on an upper deck with frames and sashes of various shapes, to admit light to a cabin or lower deck.(Naut.)
Phrases & compounds
Companion hatch —
a wooden porch over the entrance or staircase of the cabin.
Companion ladder —
the ladder by which officers ascend to, or descend from, the quarter-deck.
Companion way —
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.