companion1
¦ noun
1. a person with whom one spends time or travels.
a person employed to live with and assist someone old or unwell.
2. each of a pair of things intended to complement or match each other.
Brit. dated a piece of equipment containing several objects used in a particular activity.
3. (Companion) a member of the lowest grade of certain orders of knighthood.
¦ verb formal accompany.
Derivatives
companionship noun
Origin
ME: from OFr. compaignon, lit. 'one who breaks bread with another', based on L. com- 'together with' + panis 'bread'.
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companion2
¦ noun Nautical
1. a covering over the hatchway leading to a companionway.
archaic a raised frame with windows on the quarterdeck to allow light into the decks below.
2. a companionway.
Origin
C18: from obs. Du. kompanje (earlier form of kampanje) 'quarterdeck'.