WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : So*ci"e*ty
Part of Speech : n.;
Etymology : [L. societas, fr. socius a companion: cf. F. soci?t?. See Social.]
Definition : 1. The relationship of men to one another when associated in any way; companionship; fellowship; company. "Her loved society." Milton. There is society where none intrudes By 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 Etym: [a translation of F. vers de soci?t?], the lightest kind of lyrical poetry; verses for the amusement of polite society.

pl. Societies.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913