particeps¹

1. Socii (from sequi) are bound by common interests to act together, as partners, companions, etc.; sodales and socienni, like ἑταῖροι, are bound only by being pleased with each to the common enjoyment of life, as comrades and good friends; but sodalis (from ἔθος, ἠθεῖος) is the more elevated, sociennus, a more comic expression. Socius is generally in construction with an objective genitive, which names the purpose of the sociatio; whereas sodalis only with a subjective genitive, which names the other sodalis; socius periculi, culpæ, but sodalis meus. 2. Sodalis is a good friend, with whom one stands in a sociable, that is to say, a calm state of intercourse; amicus, a friend, with whom one exchanges the sacred feeling of love and respect; familiaris, a confidant, to whom one is bound, as one heart and soul, in mirth and sorrow. 3. The socius rei is considered in the state of a fellow-laborer or fellow-sufferer; the particeps and consors as sharers in an enjoyment or in a possession; the particeps, because he voluntarily takes a part in a thing, in opp. to expers, like μέτοχος; the consors, because, without co-operating, he is entitled to a share, in opp. to exsors. Cic. Balb. 28. Fuit hic multorum illi laborum socius aliquando; est fortasse nunc nonnullorum particeps commodorum. Liv. xxi. 41, and Suet. Aug. 25. The co-regent is socius imperii, so far as he shares in the business of government; consors, so far as the office is merely honorary. (iv. 208.)