Compagnie

/kɒmˈpɑːni/ noun

Definition

An archaic or foreign spelling of 'company,' often referring to a group of people or a business organization.

Etymology

From Old French compagnie, from Medieval Latin compania, derived from com- (together) + panis (bread), literally 'those who eat bread together.' This etymology reveals the original sense of companionship based on shared meals.

Kelly Says

The word 'company' literally meant people who shared bread together—this reminds us that the concept of business partnerships and groups originally came from the intimate human experience of breaking bread, eating together, and building trust through shared meals.

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