Party

[Fr. parti and partie, from O. Fr. partir, Lat. partire, partiri, to part, divide; It. partita, Sp., Pg., & Pr. partida.]

1Sense 1. A part or portion of a greater number of persons, or people of a larger community, or the like, united by some tie as distinguished from, or opposed to, the rest; as, (a.) A number of persons united in opinion, as opposed to the rest of a community or association, and aiming to influence or control the general action; especially, one of the parts into which a people is divided on questions of public policy; a faction.

The peace both parties want is like to last. Dryden. Small parties make up in diligence what they want in numbers. Johnson.

(b.) A set of people gathered for a particular purpose common to them all; an assembly; especially, a number of persons invited for a social entertainment; a social assemblage; a company. (c.) A part of a larger troop or company sent together upon some duty; a detachment; especially, (Mil.) A small number of troops dispatched upon some special service.

2Sense 2. One concerned or interested in an affair; one who takes a part with others; a partaker or participant.

3Sense 3. The plaintiff or defendant in a lawsuit, whether an individual, a firm, or corporation; a litigant.

The cause of both parties shall come before the judges. Ex. xxii. 9.

4Sense 4. A single person, distinct from or opposed to another.

If the jury found that the party slain was of the English race, it had been adjudged felony. Davies.

5Sense 5. Hence, a person; an individual.