Толковый словарь английского языка Oxford English Reference - society

n. (pl. -ies) 1 the sum of human conditions and activity regarded as a whole functioning interdependently. 2 a social community (all societies must have firm laws). 3 a a social mode of life. b the customs and organization of an ordered community. 4 Ecol. a plant community. 5 a the socially advantaged or prominent members of a community (society would not approve). b this, or a part of it, qualified in some way (is not done in polite society). 6 participation in hospitality; other people's homes or company (avoids society). 7 companionship, company (avoids the society of such people). 8 an association of persons united by a common aim or interest or principle (formed a music society). Phrases and idioms Society of Friends see QUAKER. Society of Jesus see JESUIT. Derivatives societal adj. (esp. in sense 1). societally adv. Etymology: F soci{eacute}t{eacute} f. L societas -tatis f. socius companion