So*ci"e*ty (?), n.; pl. Societies (#). [L. societas, fr. socius a companion: cf. F. société. See Social.] 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.

2. Connection; participation; partnership. [R.]

The meanest of the people and such as have the least society with the acts and crimes of kings.

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.

So*ci"e*ty (?), n.; pl. Societies (#). [L. societas, fr. socius a companion: cf. F. société. See Social.] 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.

2. Connection; participation; partnership. [R.]

The meanest of the people and such as have the least society with the acts and crimes of kings.

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.

• (countable) A long-standing group of people sharing cultural aspects such as language, dress, norms of behavior and artistic forms.
       This society has been known for centuries for its colorful clothing and tight-knit family structure.
  
• (countable) A group of persons who meet from time to time to engage in a common interest.
       It was then that they decided to found a society of didgeridoo-playing unicyclists.
  
• (uncountable) The people of one's country or community taken as a whole.
       It's not for society to decide whether I can play the didgeridoo in my own home.
       He thinks that the fact that this child grew up to be a murderer is the fault of society.
  
• (uncountable) High society.
       Smith was first introduced into society at the Duchess of Grand Fenwick's annual rose garden party.