communion

n. [ L. communio: cf. F. communion. See Common. ] 1. The act of sharing; community; participation. “This communion of goods.” Blackstone. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Intercourse between two or more persons; esp., intimate association and intercourse implying sympathy and confidence; interchange of thoughts, purposes, etc.; agreement; fellowship; as, the communion of saints. [ 1913 Webster ]

We are naturally induced to seek communion and fellowship with others. Hooker. [ 1913 Webster ]

What communion hath light with darkness? 2 Cor. vi. 14. [ 1913 Webster ]

Bare communion with a good church can never alone make a good man. South. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. A body of Christians having one common faith and discipline; as, the Presbyterian communion. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. The sacrament of the eucharist; the celebration of the Lord's supper; the act of partaking of the sacrament; as, to go to communion; to partake of the communion; called also Holy Communion. [ 1913 Webster +PJC ]

Close communion. See under Close, a. --
Communion elements, the bread and wine used in the celebration of the Lord's supper. --
Communion service, the celebration of the Lord's supper, or the office or service therefor. --
Communion table, the table upon which the elements are placed at the celebration of the Lord's supper. --
Communion in both kinds, participation in both the bread and wine by all communicants. --
Communion in one kind, participation in but one element, as in the Roman Catholic Church, where the laity partake of the bread only.

Syn. -- Share; participation; fellowship; converse; intercourse; unity; concord; agreement. [ 1913 Webster ]