The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Partner \Part"ner\ (p[aum]rt"n[~e]r), n. [For parcener,
   influenced by part.]
   1. One who has a part in anything with an other; a partaker;
      an associate; a sharer. "Partner of his fortune." --Shak.
      Hence:
      (a) A husband or a wife.
      (b) Either one of a couple who dance together.
      (c) One who shares as a member of a partnership in the
          management, or in the gains and losses, of a business.
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                My other self, the partner of my life. --Milton.
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   2. (Law) An associate in any business or occupation; a member
      of a partnership. See Partnership.
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   3. pl. (Naut.) A framework of heavy timber surrounding an
      opening in a deck, to strengthen it for the support of a
      mast, pump, capstan, or the like.
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   Dormant partner, or Silent partner. See under Dormant,
      a.
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   Syn: Associate; colleague; coadjutor; confederate; partaker;
        participator; companion; comrade; mate.
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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Dormancy \Dor"man*cy\, n. [From Dormant.]
   The state of being dormant; quiescence; abeyance.
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         It is by lying dormant a long time, or being . . . very
         rarely exercised, that arbitrary power steals upon a
         people.                                  --Burke.
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   2. (Her.) In a sleeping posture; as, a lion dormant; --
      distinguished from couchant.
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   Dormant partner (Com.), a partner who takes no share in the
      active business of a company or partnership, but is
      entitled to a share of the profits, and subject to a share
      in losses; -- called also sleeping partner or silent
      partner.

   Dormant window (Arch.), a dormer window. See Dormer.

   Table dormant, a stationary table. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
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Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856):

DORMANT PARTNER. One who is a participant in the profits of a firm, but his
name being concealed, his interest is not apparent. See Partners,