Participation, n.
Etymology: [F. participation, L. participatio.]
1. The act or state of participating, or sharing in common with others; as, a participation in joy or sorrows. These deities are so by participation. Bp. Stillingfleet. What an honor, that God should admit us into such a blessed participation of himself! Atterbury.
2. Distribution; division into shares. [Obs.] Raleigh.
3. community; fellowship; association. [Obs.] Shak.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for participation; he lists it under association.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.