Where Does “Companion” Come From? The Person Who Shares Your Bread
“Companion” comes from Late Latin companio — literally “one who shares bread” — from com- (together, with) + panis (bread). In a world where sharing a meal was a bond of loyalty and trust, the word for a trusted fellow was built from the act of breaking bread together. The same “panis” root gives us company, accompany, pantry, and the French surname “Dupain” (of the bread).