to keep company

Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.

To court. A common term in the interior parts of New England, applied to a man whose visits to a lady are frequent, with the intention of gaining her hand. He keeps company with her,' i. e. he is courting her, or 'They are keeping company,' i. e. are courting.


A young tailoress got a verdict against Mr. B--, a steady farmer who "kept company" with her some months, and appointed a day for the wedding. [But subsequently changed his mind.]--N. Y. Com. Adv.

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