Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Society
So-ci′e-ty
,Noun.
pl.
Societies
(#)
. 1.
The relationship of men to one another when associated in any way; companionship; fellowship; company.
“Her loved society.” Milton.
There is
By the deep sea, and music in its roar.
society
where none intrudesBy the deep sea, and music in its roar.
Byron.
2.
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.
3.
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
4.
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.
5.
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 société
]the lightest kind of lyrical poetry; verses for the amusement of polite society.
Webster 1828 Edition
Society
SOCI'ETY
,Noun.
1.
The union of a number of rational beings; or a number of persons united, either for a temporary or permanent purpose. Thus the inhabitants of a state or of a city constitute a society, having common interests; and hence it is called a community. In a more enlarged sense, the whole race or family of man is a society, and called human society. The true and natural foundation of society, are the wants and fears of individuals.2.
Any number of persons associated for a particular purpose, whether incorporated by law, or only united by articles of agreement; a fraternity. Thus we have bible societies for various objects; societies for mechanics, and leaned societies; societies for encouraging arts, &c.3.
Company; a temporary association of persons for profit or pleasure. In this sense, company is more generally used.4.
Conpany; fellowship. We frequent the society of those we love and esteem.5.
Partnership; fellowship; union on equal terms. Among unequals what society can sort? Heav'n's greatness no society can bear.6.
Persons living in the same neighborhood, who frequently meet in company and have fellowship. Literary society renders a place interesting and agreeable.7.
In Connecticut, a number of families united and incorporated for the purpose of supporting public worship, is called an exxlesiastical society. This is a parish, except that it has not territorial limits. In Massachusetts, such as incorporated society is usually called a parish, though consisting of persons only, without regard to territory.