Confraternity

views updated May 18 2018

Confraternity

an association of men united together for some profession or object. See also brotherhood, clan, fraternity.

Examples: confraternity of aldermen, 1654; of chimney sweeps, 1688; of men-milliners [dandies], 1885; of monks and friars, 1688; of potters, 1601; of traitors, 1872.

confraternity

views updated May 29 2018

confraternity organized (religious) brother-hood. XV. — (O)F. confraternité — medL. confrāternitās, f. confrāter CONFRÈRE; see -ITY.

confraternity

views updated May 21 2018

confraternity a brotherhood, especially with a religious or charitable purpose.

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