fraternity

plural fraternities

1. countableuncountableThe quality of being brothers or brotherly; brotherhood.
2. countableuncountableA group of people associated for a common purpose.

   The decision of Judge Stafford [to dismiss the case] represents an exhibition of raw power wielded by the well-organized fraternities of the medical profession against consumer groups working in the interest of women's health care.

   1976 December 11, Linda Curtis, quotee, “Feminists Challenge 'Health Monopoly'”, in Gay Community News, volume 4, number 24, page 3

   1 more example

   Having now so amply declared unto thee most of the principal things of this thrice-renowned and illustrious city, I will briefly by way of an epitome mention most of the other particulars thereof, and so finally shut up this narration: there are reported to be in Venice and the circumjacent islands two hundred churches in which are one hundred forth-three pairs of organs, fifty-four monasteries, twenty-six nunneries, fifty-six tribunals or places of judgment, seventeen hospitals, six companies or fraternities, whereof I have before spoken; one hundred and sixty-five marble statues of worthy personages, partly equestrial, partly pedestrial, which are erected in sundry places of the city, to the honour of those that either at home have prudently administered the commonweal, or abroad valiantly fought for the same.

   1611, Thomas Coryate, Coryat's Crudities hastily gobbled up in Five Months Travels in France, Italy, &c

3. PhilippinesUScountableuncountableA social organization of male students at a college or university; usually identified by Greek letters.

   Colin Schlank said he rushed a fraternity because he wanted to expand his social circle. […] “They’re called social fraternities for a reason,” he said, “because you’re trying to branch out, you’re trying to meet new people.”

   2018 August 25, Dakin Andone, “They pledge. Get hazed. The cycle continues”, in CNN, archived from the original on 11 Jul 2024