公司，企业，集团等等的复数形式

Company \Com"pa*ny\ (k[u^]m"p[.a]*n[y^]), n.; pl. {Companies}
(k[u^]m"p[.a]*n[i^]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.

7. Partners in a firm whose names are not mentioned in its
style or title; -- often abbreviated in writing; as,
Hottinguer & Co.

8. (Mil.) A subdivision of a regiment of troops under the
command of a captain, numbering in the United States (full
strength) 100 men.

9. (Naut.) The crew of a ship, including the officers; as, a
whole ship's company.

10. The body of actors employed in a theater or in the
production of a play.

{To keep company with}. See under {Keep}, v. t.

Syn: Assemblage; assembly; society; group; circle; crowd;
troop; crew; gang; corporation; association; fraternity;
guild; partnership; copartnery; union; club; party;
gathering.