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Where does the word "company" come from? It comes from Late Latin companio, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).
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Where does the word "company" come from? It comes from Late Latin companio, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).
Company’s story begins in Late Latin: companio meant “bread-sharer.” 'com-', with, plus 'panis', bread: one who eats bread with you. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as compaignie. Used for bands of soldiers and merchants. It reached English by 1200s as company. Business 'companies' date from the 1500s. Today, company means a commercial business; the fact of being with others.
- Stage 1 · Late Latin · ancient companio "bread-sharer", 'com-', with, plus 'panis', bread: one who eats bread with you.
- Stage 2 · Old French · medieval compaignie "companionship; band", used for bands of soldiers and merchants.
- Stage 3 · English · 1200s company "companionship", business 'companies' date from the 1500s.