The Collaborative International Dictionary
Society \So*ci"e*ty\, n.; pl. Societies. [L. societas, fr. socius a companion: cf. F. soci['e]t['e]. See Social.]
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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. -
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. 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.
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.
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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 soci['e]t['e]], the lightest kind of lyrical poetry; verses for the amusement of polite society.