Noah Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language

1. (n.) One who has a part in anything with an other; a partaker; an associate; a sharer. Partner of his fortune. Shak. Hence: (a) A husband or a wife. (b) Either one of a couple who dance together. (c) One who shares as a member of a partnership in the management, or in the gains and losses, of a business.

2. (n.) An associate in any business or occupation; a member of a partnership. See Partnership.

3. (n.) A framework of heavy timber surrounding an opening in a deck, to strengthen it for the support of a mast, pump, capstan, or the like.

4. (v. t.) To associate, to join.