Com*mun"ion (?), n. [L. communio: cf. F. communion. See Common.]
1.
The act of sharing; community; participation.
"This
communion of goods."
Blackstone.
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.
We are naturally induced to seek communion and fellowship with others.
Hooker.
What communion hath light with darkness?
2 Cor. vi. 14.
Bare communion with a good church can never alone make a good man.
South.
3.
A body of Christians having one common faith and discipline; as, the Presbyterian communion.
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.
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.
© Webster 1913.