joint-stock company

[ joint-stok ]

noun

1. an association of individuals in a business enterprise with transferable shares of stock, much like a corporation except that stockholders are liable for the debts of the business.
2. British. an incorporated business with transferable shares and with shareholders having either limited or unlimited liability for debts of the business.

joint-stock company

noun

1. a business enterprise characterized by its separate legal existence and the sharing of ownership between shareholders, whose liability is limited
2. a business enterprise whose owners are issued shares of transferable stock but do not enjoy limited liability

Word History and Origins

Origin of joint-stock company¹

First recorded in 1800–10

Example Sentences

An Act was passed which gave to a joint stock company an absolute monopoly of lustrings for a term of fourteen years.

From Project Gutenberg

One of his friends happened to be engaged in large financial transactions in connection with an important joint-stock company.

From Project Gutenberg

Both are leagued against you like Robert Macaire and Bertrand against the subscribers to their joint stock company.

From Project Gutenberg

The frauds and fooleries of the joint stock company mania are, perhaps, among the least successful portion of the volume.

From Project Gutenberg

The origin of the joint stock company was probably primitive.

From Project Gutenberg