Definition

Noun: 1. A type of guild or association based in the City of London: A livery company is one of the historic trade associations, or guilds, originally formed to regulate and represent specific crafts, trades, or professions. These companies were granted royal charters, giving them official status and governance rights within the City of London. 2. A modern charitable and networking institution: While their original regulatory functions have largely ceased, livery companies continue to exist as charitable, social, and professional bodies. They support their trades, education, and philanthropy, and play a ceremonial role in the governance of the City of London.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths is one of the oldest and most prominent livery companies in London.
  • Membership in a livery company often involves participation in charitable work and formal dinners.
  • The livery companies collectively contribute to the election of the Lord Mayor of London.

Advanced Usage

• "The Livery": This term can collectively refer to all the livery companies or to the body of liverymen (full members) within a single company.
  • He was proud to be admitted to the Livery of the Mercers' Company.
• "Liveryman": A full-freeman member of a livery company.
  • As a liveryman, he had the right to vote in City elections.

Variants and Related Words

• Guild (n): A medieval association of craftsmen or merchants, often seen as the precursor to livery companies.
  • The weavers formed a powerful guild to control the quality of their cloth.
• Worshipful Company (n): A formal title used for many livery companies (e.g., The Worshipful Company of Drapers).
  • The Worshipful Company of Fishmongers has a long and distinguished history.

Synonyms

• Trade guild: An association of artisans or merchants in a particular trade.
• City Company: Another term for a livery company, emphasizing its connection to the City of London.

Related Phrases

• To be granted the livery: To be admitted as a full member (liveryman) of a company.
  • After years as a freeman, she was finally granted the livery.
• Livery hall: The building that serves as the headquarters and meeting place for a livery company.
  • The banquet was held in the company's magnificent livery hall.

Noun

1. one of the chartered companies of London originating with the craft guilds