[kuh
m-pan-yuhn-wey] 
| 1. | a stair or ladder within the hull of a vessel. |
| 2. | the space occupied by this stair or ladder. |
| com·pan·ion·way (kəm-pān'yən-wā') n. Nautical A staircase leading from a deck to the cabins or area below. [From companion, framed windows above a hatchway, companionway, probably alteration of obsolete Dutch kompanje, from Old French compagne, steward's cabin, storeroom, from Old Italian (camera della) compagna, (cabin for) provisions, pantry, from Vulgar Latin *compānia, things eaten with bread : Latin com-, com- + Latin pānis, bread; see companion1.] |