a. Sociable. [ Obs. ] Sir P. Sidney. [ 1913 Webster ]

adj. 1. having companions or an escort
Syn. -- accompanied (vs. un), attended [ WordNet 1.5 ]

n. He who, or that which, accompanies. Lamb. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ F. accompagnement. ] That which accompanies; something that attends as a circumstance, or which is added to give greater completeness to the principal thing, or by way of ornament, or for the sake of symmetry. Specifically: (Mus.) A part performed by instruments, accompanying another part or parts performed by voices; the subordinate part, or parts, accompanying the voice or a principal instrument; also, the harmony of a figured bass. P. Cyc. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The performer in music who takes the accompanying part. Busby. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Accompanied p. pr. & vb. n. Accompanying [ OF. aacompaignier, F. accompagner, to associate with, fr. OF. compaign, compain, companion. See Company. ] 1. To go with or attend as a companion or associate; to keep company with; to go along with; -- followed by with or by; as, he accompanied his speech with a bow. [ 1913 Webster ]

The Persian dames, . . .
In sumptuous cars, accompanied his march. Glover. [ 1913 Webster ]

They are never alone that are accompanied with noble thoughts. Sir P. Sidney. [ 1913 Webster ]

He was accompanied by two carts filled with wounded rebels. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To cohabit with. [ Obs. ] Sir T. Herbert. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- To attend; escort; go with. -- To Accompany, Attend, Escort. We accompany those with whom we go as companions. The word imports an equality of station. We attend those whom we wait upon or follow. The word conveys an idea of subordination. We escort those whom we attend with a view to guard and protect. A gentleman accompanies a friend to some public place; he attends or escorts a lady. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. 1. To associate in a company; to keep company. [ Obs. ] Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]

Men say that they will drive away one another, . . . and not accompany together. Holland. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To cohabit (with). [ Obs. ] Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Mus.) To perform an accompanying part or parts in a composition. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. a person who provides musical accompaniment (usually on a piano).
Syn. -- accompanist [ WordNet 1.5 ]

n.; pl. Bow-compasses 1. An arcograph. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A small pair of compasses, one leg of which carries a pencil, or a pen, for drawing circles. Its legs are often connected by a bow-shaped spring, instead of by a joint. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. A pair of compasses, with a bow or arched plate riveted to one of the legs, and passing through the other. [ 1913 Webster ]

p. p. & a. [ L. compactus, p. p. of compingere to join or unite; com- + pangere to fasten, fix: cf. F. compacte. See Pact. ] 1. Joined or held together; leagued; confederated. [ Obs. ] “Compact with her that's gone.” Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

A pipe of seven reeds, compact with wax together. Peacham. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Composed or made; -- with of. [ Poetic ] [ 1913 Webster ]

A wandering fire,
Compact of unctuous vapor. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Closely or firmly united, as the particles of solid bodies; firm; close; solid; dense. [ 1913 Webster ]

Glass, crystal, gems, and other compact bodies. Sir I. Newton. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. Brief; close; pithy; not diffuse; not verbose; as, a compact discourse.

Syn. -- Firm; close; solid; dense; pithy; sententious. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Compacted; p. pr. & vb. n. Compacting. ] 1. To thrust, drive, or press closely together; to join firmly; to consolidate; to make close; -- as the parts which compose a body. [ 1913 Webster ]

Now the bright sun compacts the precious stone. Blackstone. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To unite or connect firmly, as in a system. [ 1913 Webster ]

The whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth. Eph. iv. 16. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. compactum, fr. compacisci, p. p. compactus, to make an agreement with; com- + pacisci to make an agreement. See Pact. ] An agreement between parties; a covenant or contract. [ 1913 Webster ]

The law of nations depends on mutual compacts, treaties, leagues, etc. Blackstone. [ 1913 Webster ]

Wedlock is described as the indissoluble compact. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

The federal constitution has been styled a compact between the States by which it was ratified. Wharton.

Syn. -- See Covenant. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. a disk-shaped optical data storage medium approximately 4-3/4 in. in diameter, which stores binary data as microscopic nonreflective holes or pits in an otherwise reflective surface, and is recorded and played back by rotation in an electronic device containing a laser. It is often referred to by its abbreviation CD. It is a type of optical data storage medium. Compact disks are used for recordings of music as well as of data for computer applications.
Syn. -- CD. [ WordNet 1.5 +PJC ]

n. an electronic device containing a laser, used to read or play back the data on a compact disk. The term is usually used for the type of device used to play music recordings. That used for data storgage n coputer applications is usually called a CD drive. Called also CD player and informally, CD.
Syn. -- CD player. [ PJC ]

a. Compact; pressed close; concentrated; firmly united. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In a compact manner. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. A state of being compact. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who makes a compact. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. That may be compacted. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. compactio. ] The act of making compact, or the state of being compact. [ Obs. ] Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In a compact manner; with close union of parts; densely; tersely. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The state or quality of being compact; close union of parts; density. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. compactura. ] Close union or connection of parts; manner of joining; construction. [ Obs. ] “With comely compass and compacture strong.” Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

‖n. sing. & pl. [ L., fr. compingere. See Compact, v. t. ] A system or structure of many parts united. [ 1913 Webster ]

A regular compages of pipes and vessels. Ray. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ L. compaginare, compaginatum. ] To unite or hold together; as, the side pieces compaginate the frame. [ Obs. ] W. Montagu. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. compaginatio. ] Union of parts; structure. [ Obs. ] Jer. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ OF. compaignable. ] Companionable; sociable. [ Obs. ] Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ LL. companatores, pl. ] (Eccl.) Same as Impanator. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Companionable; sociable. [ Obs. ] Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ F. compagnon, OF. compaing, fr. an assumed LL. companio (cf. companium fellowship, a mess), fr. L. com- + panis bread. See Pantry. ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

The companions of his fall. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

The companion of fools shall smart for it. Prov. xiii. 20 (Rev. Ver.). [ 1913 Webster ]

Here are your sons again; and I must lose
Two of the sweetest companions in the world. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

A companion is one with whom we share our bread; a messmate. Trench. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A knight of the lowest rank in certain orders; as, a companion of the Bath. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. A fellow; -- in contempt. [ Obs. ] Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. [ Cf. OSp. compaña 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. 1. To be a companion to; to attend on; to accompany. [ R. ] Ruskin. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To qualify as a companion; to make equal. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Companion me with my mistress. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

adj. companionlike; as, companionate marriage; a companionate dog. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

a. Without a companion. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Fellowship; association; the act or fact of keeping company with any one. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

He never seemed to avail himself of my sympathy other than by mere companionship. W. Irving [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. a stairway or ladder that leads from one deck to another on a ship. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

n.; pl. Companies [ 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

Evil company doth corrupt good manners. 1 Cor. xv. 33. (Rev. Ver.). [ 1913 Webster ]

Brethren, farewell: your company along
I will not wish. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A companion or companions. [ 1913 Webster ]

To thee and thy company I bid
A hearty welcome. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. An assemblage or association of persons, either permanent or transient. [ 1913 Webster ]

Thou shalt meet a company of prophets. 1 Sam. x. 5. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. Guests or visitors, in distinction from the members of a family; as, to invite company to dine. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. Society, in general; people assembled for social intercourse. [ 1913 Webster ]

Nature has left every man a capacity of being agreeable, though not of shining in company. Swift. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

7. Partners in a firm whose names are not mentioned in its style or title; -- often abbreviated in writing; as, Hottinguer & Co. [ 1913 Webster ]

8. (Mil.) A subdivision of a regiment of troops under the command of a captain, numbering in the United States (full strength) 100 men. [ 1913 Webster ]

9. (Naut.) The crew of a ship, including the officers; as, a whole ship's company. [ 1913 Webster ]

10. The body of actors employed in a theater or in the production of a play. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Companied p. pr. & vb. n. Companying. ] To accompany or go with; to be companion to. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. 1. To associate. [ 1913 Webster ]

Men which have companied with us all the time. Acts i. 21. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To be a gay companion. [ Obs. ] Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To have sexual commerce. [ Obs. ] Bp. Hall. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. a similarity allowing comparison; an approximate equivalence.
Syn. -- comparison, compare, equivalence. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

a. [ L. comparabilis: cf. F. comparable. ] Capable of being compared; worthy of comparison. [ 1913 Webster ]

There is no blessing of life comparable to the enjoyment of a discreet and virtuous friend. Addison.

-- Com"pa*ra*ble*ness, n. -- Com"pa*ra*bly, adv. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. comparatum, fr. comparatus, p. p. of comparare. See 1st Compare. ] (Logic) One of two things compared together. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. comparatio. See Compare to get. ] A making ready; provision. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. comparativus: cf. F. comparatif. ] 1. Of or pertaining to comparison. “The comparative faculty.” Glanvill. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Proceeding from, or by the method of, comparison; as, the comparative sciences; the comparative anatomy. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Estimated by comparison; relative; not positive or absolute, as compared with another thing or state. [ 1913 Webster ]

The recurrence of comparative warmth and cold. Whewell. [ 1913 Webster ]

The bubble, by reason of its comparative levity to the fluid that incloses it, would necessarily ascend to the top. Bentley. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Gram.) Expressing a degree greater or less than the positive degree of the quality denoted by an adjective or adverb. The comparative degree is formed from the positive by the use of -er, more, or less; as, brighter, more bright, or less bright. [ 1913 Webster ]

Comparative sciences, those which are based on a comprehensive comparison of the range of objects or facts in any branch or department, and which aim to study out and treat of the fundamental laws or systems of relation pervading them; as, comparative anatomy, comparative physiology, comparative philology. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Gram.) The comparative degree of adjectives and adverbs; also, the form by which the comparative degree is expressed; as, stronger, wiser, weaker, more stormy, less windy, are all comparatives. [ 1913 Webster ]

In comparatives is expressed a relation of two; as in superlatives there is a relation of many. Angus. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. An equal; a rival; a compeer. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Gerard ever was
His full comparative. Beau. & Fl. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. One who makes comparisons; one who affects wit. [ Obs. ] “Every beardless vain comparative.” Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. According to estimate made by comparison; relatively; not positively or absolutely. [ 1913 Webster ]

With but comparatively few exceptions. Prescott. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L., a comparer. ] (Physics) An instrument or machine for comparing anything to be measured with a standard measure; -- applied especially to a machine for comparing standards of length. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Compared p. pr. & vb. n. Comparing. ] [ L.comparare, fr. compar like or equal to another; com- + par equal: cf. F. comparer. See Pair, Peer an equal, and cf. Compeer. ] 1. To examine the character or qualities of, as of two or more persons or things, for the purpose of discovering their resemblances or differences; to bring into comparison; to regard with discriminating attention. [ 1913 Webster ]

Compare dead happiness with living woe. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

The place he found beyond expression bright,
Compared with aught on earth. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

Compare our faces and be judge yourself. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

To compare great things with small. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To represent as similar, for the purpose of illustration; to liken. [ 1913 Webster ]

Solon compared the people unto the sea, and orators and counselors to the winds; for that the sea would be calm and quiet if the winds did not trouble it. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Gram.) To inflect according to the degrees of comparison; to state positive, comparative, and superlative forms of; as, most adjectives of one syllable are compared by affixing “- er” and “-est” to the positive form; as, black, blacker, blackest; those of more than one syllable are usually compared by prefixing “more” and “most”, or “less” and “least”, to the positive; as, beautiful, more beautiful, most beautiful.

Syn. -- To Compare, Compare with, Compare to. Things are compared with each other in order to learn their relative value or excellence. Thus we compare Cicero with Demosthenes, for the sake of deciding which was the greater orator. One thing is compared to another because of a real or fanciful likeness or similarity which exists between them. Thus it has been common to compare the eloquence of Demosthenes to a thunderbolt, on account of its force, and the eloquence of Cicero to a conflagration, on account of its splendor. Burke compares the parks of London to the lungs of the human body. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. 1. To be like or equal; to admit, or be worthy of, comparison; as, his later work does not compare with his earlier. [ 1913 Webster ]

I should compare with him in excellence. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To vie; to assume a likeness or equality. [ 1913 Webster ]

Shall pack horses . . . compare with Cæsars? Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. Comparison. [ Archaic ] [ 1913 Webster ]

His mighty champion, strong beyond compare. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

Their small galleys may not hold compare
With our tall ships. Waller. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Illustration by comparison; simile. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Rhymes full of protest, of oath, and big compare. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

Beyond compare. See Beyond comparison, under Comparison. [ 1913 Webster ]