'company' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'compaignie,' where 'com-' meant 'with' and 'paignie' meant 'bread or food.'

'compaignie' transformed into the Middle English word 'compainie,' and eventually became the modern English word 'company'.

Initially, it meant 'a group of people who eat together,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a business organization or companionship.'