Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
CONSORT
I. noun see: series
Date: 15th century
associate , a ship accompanying another, spouse ,
II. noun
Etymology: Middle French consorte, from consort
Date: 1584
conjunction , association , group , assembly ,
3. a group of singers or instrumentalists performing together, a set of musical instruments of the same family,
III. verb
Date: 1588
transitive verb unite , associate , escort , intransitive verb to keep company , to make harmony ; play , accord , harmonize