So*ci"e*ty (?), n.;
pl. Societies (#). [L.
societas, fr. socius a companion: cf. F.
société. See
Social.]
1. The relationship of men to one another when associated in any way; companionship; fellowship; company. "Her loved society." Milton.
There is society where none intrudes
By the deep sea,
and music in its roar.
Byron.
2. Connection; participation; partnership. [R.]
The meanest of the people and such as have the least society with the acts and crimes of kings.
Jer. Taylor. 3. A number of persons associated for any temporary or permanent object; an association for mutual or joint usefulness, pleasure, or profit; a social union; a partnership; as, a missionary society.
4. The persons, collectively
considered, who live in any region
or at any period; any community of individuals who are united together by a common bond of nearness or intercourse; those who recognize each other as
associates, friends, and acquaintances.
5. Specifically, the more cultivated portion of any community in its social
relations and influences; those
who mutually give receive formal entertainments.
Society of Jesus. See Jesuit. -- Society verses [a translation of F. vers de
société], the
lightest kind of lyrical poetry; verses for the amusement of polite society.
Hear it pronounced