So-ci'e-ty, n.
n. [Fr. société, Pr. societât, Sp. sociedad, It. società, Lat. societas, from socius, a companion.]
Sense 1. A number of persons associated for any temporary or permanent objects; an association for mutual profit, pleasure, or usefulness; a social union; a partnership.
Marriage is a human society, and . . . all human society must proceed from the mind rather than the body. Milton.
Sense 2. The persons, collectively considered, who live in any region or at any period; any community of individuals who are united together by any common bond of nearness or intercourse; those who recognize each other as associates, friends, and acquaintances; specifically, the more cultivated portion of any community in its social relations and influences; those who give and receive formal entertainments mutually.
Sense 3. The relationship of men to one another when associated in any way; companionship; fellowship; company. “Her loved society.” Milton.
Sense 4. Connection; participation. [Rare.] “The meanest of the people, and such as have least society with the acts and crimes of kings.” Bp. Taylor.
There is society where none intrudes By the deep sea, and music in its roar. Byron.