What is "dormant partner"

Partner \Part"ner\ (p[aum]rt"n[~e]r), n. [For parcener, influenced by part.]

1. One who has a part in anything with an other; a partaker; an associate; a sharer. ``Partner of his fortune.'' --Shak. Hence:

   1. A husband or a wife.

   2. Either one of a couple who dance together.

   3. One who shares as a member of a partnership in the management, or in the gains and losses, of a business.

      My other self, the partner of my life.
      --Milton.

2. (Law) An associate in any business or occupation; a member of a partnership. See Partnership.

3. pl. (Naut.) A framework of heavy timber surrounding an opening in a deck, to strengthen it for the support of a mast, pump, capstan, or the like.

   Dormant partner, or Silent partner. See under Dormant, a.

   Syn: Associate; colleague; coadjutor; confederate; partaker; participator; companion; comrade; mate.

Dormancy \Dor"man*cy\, n. [From Dormant.] The state of being dormant; quiescence; abeyance.

It is by lying dormant a long time, or being . . . very rarely exercised, that arbitrary power steals upon a people.
--Burke.

2. (Her.) In a sleeping posture; as, a lion dormant; -- distinguished from couchant.

Dormant partner (Com.), a partner who takes no share in the active business of a company or partnership, but is entitled to a share of the profits, and subject to a share in losses; -- called also sleeping partner or silent partner.

Dormant window (Arch.), a dormer window. See Dormer.

Table dormant, a stationary table. [Obs.]
--Chaucer.