from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Cooperative \Co*["o]p"er*a*tive\, a.
Operating jointly to the same end.
[1913 Webster]
{Cooperative society}, a society established on the principle
of a joint-stock association, for the production of
commodities, or their purchase and distribution for
consumption, or for the borrowing and lending of capital
among its members.
{Cooperative store}, a store established by a cooperative
society, where the members make their purchases and share
in the profits or losses.
[1913 Webster]