fraternity

Noun

fraternity (countable and uncountable, plural fraternities)

1. The quality of being brothers or brotherly; brotherhood.
2. A group of people associated for a common purpose.
   • 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...1611, Thomas Coryate, Coryat's Crudities hastily gobbled up in Five Months Travels in France, Italy, &c
   • 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
3. (Philippines, US) A 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