What is "hose company"

Hose \Hose\ (h[=o]z), n.; pl. Hose, formerly Hosen (h[=o]"z'n). [AS. hose; akin to D. hoos, G. hose breeches, OHG. hosa, Icel. hosa stocking, gather, Dan. hose stocking; cf. Russ. koshulia a fur jacket.]

1. Close-fitting trousers or breeches, as formerly worn, reaching to the knee.

   These men were bound in their coats, their hosen, and their hats, and their other garments.
   --Dan. iii. 21.

   His youthful hose, well saved, a world too wide For his shrunk shank.
   --Shak.

2. Covering for the feet and lower part of the legs; a stocking or stockings.

3. A flexible pipe, made of leather, India rubber, or other material, and used for conveying fluids, especially water, from a faucet, hydrant, or fire engine.

   Hose carriage, Hose cart, or Hose truck, a wheeled vehicle fitted for conveying hose for extinguishing fires.

   Hose company, a company of men appointed to bring and manage hose in the extinguishing of fires. [U.S.]

   Hose coupling, coupling with interlocking parts for uniting hose, end to end.

   Hose wrench, a spanner for turning hose couplings, to unite or disconnect them.