Society of Jesus

Society of Jesus
    n 1: a Roman Catholic order founded by Saint Ignatius of Loyola
         in 1534 to defend Catholicism against the Reformation and
         to do missionary work among the heathen; it is strongly
         committed to education and scholarship [syn: {Society of
         Jesus}, {Jesuit order}]
    

Society \So*ci"e*ty\, n.; pl. {Societies}. [L. societas, fr.
   socius a companion: cf. F. soci['e]t['e]. See {Social}.]
   1. The relationship of men to one another when associated in
      any way; companionship; fellowship; company. "Her loved
      society." --Milton.
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            There is society where none intrudes
            By the deep sea, and music in its roar. --Byron.
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   2. Connection; participation; partnership. [R.]
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            The meanest of the people and such as have the least
            society with the acts and crimes of kings. --Jer.
                                                  Taylor.
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   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.
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   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.
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   5. Specifically, the more cultivated portion of any community
      in its social relations and influences; those who mutually
      give receive formal entertainments.
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   {Society of Jesus}. See {Jesuit}.

   {Society verses} [a translation of F. vers de soci['e]t['e]],
      the lightest kind of lyrical poetry; verses for the
      amusement of polite society.
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