companionn.[F. compagnon, OF. compaing, fr. an assumed LL. companio (cf. companium fellowship, a mess), fr. L. com- + panis bread. See Pantry.]1. One who accompanies or is in company with another for a longer or shorter period, either from choice or casually; one who is much in the company of, or is associated with, another or others; an associate; a comrade; a consort; a partner.()The companions of his fall. (Milton.)The companion of fools shall smart for it. (Prov. xiii. 20 (Rev. Ver.).)Here are your sons again; and I must lose
Two of the sweetest companions in the world. (Shak.)A companion is one with whom we share our bread; a messmate. (Trench.)2. A knight of the lowest rank in certain orders; as, a companion of the Bath.()3. A fellow; -- in contempt.(Shak.)[Cf. OSp. compaa an outhouse, office.]4. (Naut.) A skylight on an upper deck with frames and sashes of various shapes, to admit light to a cabin or lower deck.()Companion hatch (Naut.), a wooden porch over the entrance or staircase of the cabin. -- Companion ladder (Naut.), the ladder by which officers ascend to, or descend from, the quarter-deck. Totten. -- Companion way (Naut.), a staircase leading to the cabin. -- Knights companions, in certain honorary orders, the members of the lowest grades as distinguished from knights commanders, knights grand cross, and the like.()()v. t.1. To be a companion to; to attend on; to accompany.(Ruskin.)2. To qualify as a companion; to make equal.()Companion me with my mistress. (Shak.)