Cooperative \Co*["o]p"er*a*tive\, a. Operating jointly to the same end.

Co["o]perative society, a society established on the principle of a joint-stock association, for the production of commodities, or their purchase and distribution for consumption, or for the borrowing and lending of capital among its members.

Co["o]perative store, a store established by a co["o]perative society, where the members make their purchases and share in the profits or losses.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)