P'ARTY, noun [Latin pars. See Part.]

1. A number of persons united in opinion or design, in opposition to others in the community. It differs from faction, in implying a less dishonorable association, or more justifiable designs. Parties exist in all governments; and free governments are the hot-beds of party Formerly, the political parties in England were called whigs and tories.

2. One of two litigants; the plaintiff or defendant in a lawsuit.

The cause of both parties shall come before the judges. Exodus 22:1.

3. One concerned or interested in an affair. This man was not a party to the trespass or affray. He is not a party to the contract or agreement.

4. Side; persons engaged against each other.

The peace both parties want, is like to last.

Small parties make up in diligence what they want in numbers.

5. Cause; side.

Aegle came in to make their party good.

6. A select company invited to an entertainment; as a dining party a tea party an evening party

7. A single person distinct from or opposed to another.

If the jury found that the party slain was of English race, it had been adjudged felony,

8. In military affairs, a detachment or small number of troops sent on a particular duty, as to intercept the enemy's convoy, to reconnoiter, to seek forage, to flank the enemy, etc.is used to qualify other words and may be considered either as part of a compound word, or as an adjective; as party man, party rage, party disputes, etc.