Partner \Part"ner\, n. [For parcener, influenced by part.]

1. One who has a part in anything with an other; a partaker; an associate; a sharer. ``Partner of his fortune.'' --Shak. Hence:
   (a) A husband or a wife.
   (b) Either one of a couple who dance together.
   (c) One who shares as a member of a partnership in the management, or in the gains and losses, of a business.

My other self, the partner of my life. --Milton.

2. (Law) An associate in any business or occupation; a member of a partnership. See Partnership.

3. pl. (Naut.) A framework of heavy timber surrounding an opening in a deck, to strengthen it for the support of a mast, pump, capstan, or the like.

Dormant, or Silent, partner. See under Dormant, a.

Syn: Associate; colleague; coadjutor; confederate; partaker; participator; companion; comrade; mate.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Dormant \Dor"mant\, a. [F., p. pr. of dormir to sleep, from L. dormire; cf. Gr. ?, Skr. dr[=a], OSlav. dr?mati.]

1. Sleeping; as, a dormant animal; hence, not in action or exercise; quiescent; at rest; in abeyance; not disclosed, asserted, or insisted on; as, dormant passions; dormant claims or titles.

It is by lying dormant a long time, or being . . . very rarely exercised, that arbitrary power steals upon a people. --Burke.

2. (Her.) In a sleeping posture; as, a lion dormant; -- distinguished from couchant.

Dormant partner (Com.), a partner who takes no share in the active business of a company or partnership, but is entitled to a share of the profits, and subject to a share in losses; -- called also sleeping or silent partner.

Dormant window (Arch.), a dormer window. See Dormer.

Table dormant, a stationary table. [Obs.]

--Chaucer.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Dormant \Dor"mant\, n. [See Dormant, a.]

(Arch.) A large beam in the roof of a house upon which portions of the other timbers rest or `` sleep.'' --Arch. Pub. Soc. -- Called also dormant tree, dorman tree, dormond, and dormer. --Halliwell.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)