From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Partner \Part"ner\, v. t. To associate, to join. [Obs.] --Shak. [1913 Webster]
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Partner \Part"ner\ (p[aum]rt"n[~e]r), 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. [1913 Webster]
My other self, the partner of my life. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
2. (Law) An associate in any business or occupation; a member of a partnership. See Partnership. [1913 Webster]
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. [1913 Webster]
Dormant partner, or Silent partner. See under Dormant, a. [1913 Webster]
Syn: Associate; colleague; coadjutor; confederate; partaker; participator; companion; comrade; mate. [1913 Webster]