Comp.

An abbreviation a. of COMPANY (cf. CO³); b. (in Printers’ phrase) of COMPOSITOR.

  (In the latter, said to be originally for companion, i.e., member of a companionship of compositors; see COMPANIONSHIP, sense 3.)

1677.  Lond. Direct. (1878), Edw. Brown and Comp. with Mr. Adrian, Broadstreet.

1738.  Kent’s Direct. Lond., 5. Adams, Nathaniel & Comp, Mercers Without, Ludgate.

1870.  Sportsman, 17 Dec. (Farmer). I stood before the world a journeyman comp.

1889.  Pall Mall G., 14 Nov., 2/2. The ‘comps’ at the Propaganda set type in as many languages as those who are employed for our Bible Society.