companion1

 
Pronunciation: /kəmˈpanjən/

noun

  • 1a person or animal with whom one spends a lot of time or with whom one travels: his travelling companion figurative fear became my constant companion
  • a person who shares the experiences of another, especially when these are unpleasant or unwelcome: my companions in misfortune
  • a person’s long-term sexual partner outside marriage: Steve and his live-in companion
  • a person, usually a woman, employed to live with and assist another: she brought along her companion, whose drab attire set off her employer’s brilliance
  • Astronomy a star, galaxy, or other celestial object that is close to or associated with another: the small, hot, and compact companion of Sirius was discovered in 1915 [as modifier]: a small companion galaxy
  • 2each of a pair of things intended to complement or match each other: [as modifier]: a companion volume
  • [usually in names] a book that provides information about a particular subject: the Oxford Companion to English Literature
  • British dated a piece of equipment containing several objects used in a particular activity: a traveller’s companion
  • 3 (Companion) a member of the lowest grade of certain orders of knighthood: a Companion of the Order of Canada

verb

[with object] formal
  • accompany: he is companioned by a pageboy

Origin:

Middle English: from Old French compaignon, literally 'one who breaks bread with another', based on Latin com- 'together with' + panis 'bread'