companion1
n.
- a person with whom one spends time or travels.
▸a person employed to live with and assist someone old or unwell.
- each of a pair of things intended to complement or match each other.
▸Brit. dated a piece of equipment containing several objects used in a particular activity.
-
(Companion)
a member of the lowest grade of certain orders of knighthood.
v.
formal accompany.
Derivative
Etymology
ME: from OFr. compaignon, lit. ‘one who breaks bread with another’, based on L. com- ‘together with’ + panis ‘bread’.
companion2
n.
Nautical - a covering over the hatchway leading to a companionway.
▸archaic a raised frame with windows on the quarterdeck to allow light into the decks below.
- a companionway.
Etymology
C18: from obs. Du. kompanje (earlier form of kampanje) ‘quarterdeck’.