an English company formed in 1600 to develop trade with the new British colonies in India and southeastern Asia; in the 18th century it assumed administrative control of Bengal and held it until the British army took over in 1858 after the Indian Mutiny | a social gathering of guests or companions |
| an institution created to conduct business |
| organization of performers and associated personnel (especially theatrical) |
| small military unit; usually two or three platoons |
| crew of a ship including the officers; the whole force or personnel of a ship |
| a unit of firefighters including their equipment |
| a band of people associated temporarily in some activity |
| a social or business visitor |
| the state of being with someone |