COMPANY, in military affairs, a small body of foot, commanded by a captain, who has under him a lieutenant and ensign.
The number of centinels or private soldiers in a company, may be from 50 to 80; and a battalion consists of thirteen such companies, one of which is always grenadiers, and posted on the right: next them stand the eldest company, and on the left the second company;
the youngest one being always posted in the centre.
Companies not incorporated into regiments are called irregulars, or independent companies.